Character Description Writing Prompt Flashcards -
Seesaw work
How does a seesaw work?
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A seesaw, also known as a teeter-totter, is a simple playground device consisting of a long plank or board that pivots on a fulcrum or a central point. It is designed to allow two people to sit on opposite ends and take turns pushing off the ground to raise and lower their respective ends.
The basic principle behind the seesaw’s operation is the law of the lever, which states that when a lever is balanced, the product of the force applied and its distance from the fulcrum on one side is equal to the product of the force and its distance from the fulcrum on the other side.
When two people of different weights sit on a seesaw, the person with greater weight exerts a greater downward force on their end of the plank. This causes their end to move closer to the ground, while the lighter person’s end rises. This movement changes the distribution of weight and creates a torque or turning force around the fulcrum.
For the seesaw to maintain balance, the torque on both sides of the fulcrum must be equal. This means that the product of the weight (force) of the heavier person and their distance from the fulcrum must be equal to the product of the weight (force) of the lighter person and their distance from the fulcrum. As the heavier person moves closer to the fulcrum, they exert less torque, while the lighter person, being farther from the fulcrum, exerts more torque. This balancing of torques allows the seesaw to remain level and both individuals to go up and down.
The seesaw provides an enjoyable play experience as the participants coordinate their movements by pushing off the ground alternately to raise and lower their ends. This action creates a back-and-forth motion, adding an element of fun and interaction between the users.