The mother should position the child of weight W on L = w/W (L2+L3) to balance the seesaw.
Please refer to the image below.
We know that to balance the seesaw, the system must produce zero torque, or:
∑τ = 0
∑τ = ∑F.R = 0
where:
∑τ = total torque in the system
F = forces working on the system
R = armforce = distance between force to the pivot point perpendicular to the Force direction
On the case, we know that the heavier child on the left will move the system to rotate anticlockwise, meanwhile the twins will move the system to rotate clockwise. Hence, we will give the negative symbol for forces produced by the twins. The position for the heavier child is:
∑τ = 0
∑F.R = 0
W.L - (w.L2 + w.L3) = 0
W.L - w (L2+L3) = 0
W.L = w.(L2+L3)
L = w/W (L2+L3)
Learn more about Seesaw and Torque here: https://brainly.com/question/17163287
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Complete Question:
The child with weight w has an idenical twin also of weight w. The two twins now sit on the same side of the seesaw, with one twin a distance L2 from the pivot and the other distance L3.
Where should the mother position the child of weight W to balance the seesaw now?
