suppose if we put 5 kilogram weight on the each arm of a seesaw and it is in equilibrium position now if I apply 2 newton force on the corner of right arm of this seesaw side by side in horizontal direction then this force will be distributed equally or other arm weight will also turned up equally by this force.
To determine whether the force will be distributed equally or if the other arm will turn up equally, we need to consider the concepts of torque and the lever arm.
First, let's define some terms:
- Torque: Torque is a rotational force or moment that causes an object to rotate. In this case, it refers to the tendency of the force to rotate the seesaw.
- Lever Arm: The lever arm is the perpendicular distance between the point where the force is applied (in this case, the corner of the right arm) and the pivot point (the point where the seesaw rotates).
When a seesaw is in equilibrium, it means that the total torque on one side of the pivot is equal to the total torque on the other side. In this scenario, the weight of the 5-kilogram mass on each arm creates a torque, and the seesaw is balanced.
Now, let's consider what happens when a 2-newton force is applied at the corner of the right arm:
- The force applied will create a torque since it is not acting directly at the pivot point.
- The magnitude of the torque depends on the lever arm. If the distance between the point of application and the pivot point is shorter, the torque will be smaller. If the distance is longer, the torque will be larger.
If the lever arm of the corner where the 2-newton force is applied is the same as the lever arm of the weight on the left arm, the torque created by the force will be equal to the torque created by the weight.
In this case, the force will be distributed equally, and the other arm will also turn up equally. However, if the lever arms are different, the torques will not be equal, and the seesaw will tilt.
To determine the exact distribution and movement, you would need to know the specific lengths of the lever arms, which determines the mechanical advantage of the seesaw. Without that information, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer.