JAMB Physics 1979 Question 39

Question 39

Equilibrium of Forces

Fig. 10 shows a see-saw which is exactly in balance. The weights of the people sitting on it are 50 kg, X kg and 15 kg as shown. They sit at distances of 1½ m, 1½ m and 2 m from the pivot respectively. The value of X is

Diagram for this question
  1. A.30
  2. B.35
  3. C.70
  4. D.26¼
  5. E.impossible to find.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (30)

Explanation

Clockwise and anticlockwise moments are equal: 50 × 1.5 = X × 1.5 + 15 × 2, so 75 = 1.5X + 30 and X = 30.