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Two children, with masses 34kg (on the left) and 40kg (on the right), sit at opp

ID: 1905540 • Letter: T

Question

Two children, with masses 34kg (on the left) and 40kg (on the right), sit at opposite ends of a 3.0m long seesaw with mass 24kg, with the fulcrum at its midpoint. With the seesaw horizontal, find the net torque on the seesaw. Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units. Assume the counterclockwise rotation as positive. With the seesaw horizontal, find its angular acceleration. Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units. Assume the counterclockwise rotation as positive.

Explanation / Answer

A)

= L/2 * m1 g - L/2 * m2 g = 3/2 * 40 * 9.8 - 3/2 * 34 * 9.8

= 88.2 N.m

B)

= /I

I = m1 * (L/2)*2 + m2 (L/2)^2

I = 40 * (1.5*1.5) + 34 * (1.5*1.5)

I = 166.5

= 88.2/166.5 = 0.530 rad/s2