Chapter 11.6, Problem 7LC

To determine

Which weight must be closer to the fulcrum in order for the lever to balance? Explain.

Answer to Problem 7LC

Heavier weight.

Explanation of Solution

Given Information:

Suppose you place two different weights on a lever.

Concept Used:

• Inverse variation is used.
• The weight of an object on a lever and its distance from the fulcrum are in inverse variation.
• The product of the weight of the object and its distance from the fulcrum is always constant.

Calculation:

  $asweigh{t}_1\cdot dis\tan c{e}_1=weigh{t}_2\cdot dis\tan c{e}_2$

From the above equation if $weigh{t}_1$ is more then $dis\tan c{e}_1$ is less and if weight1 is less then the distance is more because to balance the right hand side. And same condition for $weigh{t}_2$ and $dis\tan c{e}_2$ .

So the heavier weight is more closer to the fulcrum to balance the lever.