Seesaw Problem (Physics)

Question

1.) Abe and Cindy are sitting on a seesaw. Abe weighs 680 N and sits 1.20 m from the pivot point on the left. Cindy weighs 450 N and sits 1.50 m from the pivot point on the right. Does the seasaw balance, tip clockwise, or tip counterclockwise?

2.) How far back on the seesaw would Cindy need to be in order to balance the seesaw?

Answer 1

We need to find Force x distance from pivot for both.

For Abe : 680 x 1.2 = 816 Nm

For Cindy : 450 x 1.5 = 675 Nm

As 816 > 675 the balance will tip on Abe's side. (I cant say whether clockwise or counterclockwise as I don't know which side of the pivot Abe is sitting).

For 2, suppose l is the required distance. For seesaw to balance Fd must be the same for both.

So 680 x 1.2 = 450 x l

You can solve this for l