QuestionMay 13, 2025

Compare the masses of two people on a see-saw if the balance point is near the middle of the see-saw. Explain your reasoning.

Compare the masses of two people on a see-saw if the balance point is near the middle of the see-saw. Explain your reasoning.
Compare the masses of two people on a see-saw if the balance point is near the middle of the see-saw. Explain your reasoning.

Solution
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Answer

The masses of the two people are approximately equal. Explanation 1. Understand the balance condition A see-saw is balanced when the moments on either side are equal. The moment is calculated as the product of mass and distance from the pivot. 2. Apply the formula for equilibrium **Moment = Mass \times Distance**. For equilibrium, m_1 \cdot d_1 = m_2 \cdot d_2, where m_1 and m_2 are masses, and d_1 and d_2 are distances from the pivot. 3. Analyze the position of the balance point If the balance point is near the middle, d_1 \approx d_2. Therefore, m_1 \approx m_2 because the distances are nearly equal.

Explanation

1. Understand the balance condition<br /> A see-saw is balanced when the moments on either side are equal. The moment is calculated as the product of mass and distance from the pivot.<br /><br />2. Apply the formula for equilibrium<br /> **Moment = Mass \times Distance**. For equilibrium, $m_1 \cdot d_1 = m_2 \cdot d_2$, where $m_1$ and $m_2$ are masses, and $d_1$ and $d_2$ are distances from the pivot.<br /><br />3. Analyze the position of the balance point<br /> If the balance point is near the middle, $d_1 \approx d_2$. Therefore, $m_1 \approx m_2$ because the distances are nearly equal.
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