If a lighter child with a mass of 20 kg is sitting 3 meters from the center of a seesaw, how far from the center is a heavier child with a mass of 30 kg sitting?

To solve this problem, we need to apply the principle of torque in physics, which dictates that for a seesaw (or lever) to be balanced, the torques on either side must be equal. Torque is calculated as the product of the force (which, in this case, is the weight of the child, mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity) and the distance from the pivot point (the center of the seesaw).

In this scenario, we will calculate the torques produced by both children around the center of the seesaw. For the lighter child weighing 20 kg and sitting 3 meters from the center, the torque would be:

Torque from lighter child = mass × distance = 20 kg × 3 m

For the heavier child with a mass of 30 kg, let’s denote the distance from the center as (d). The torque produced by this child would be:

Torque from heavier child = mass × distance = 30 kg × d

To achieve balance on the seesaw, the torques must equal each other:

20 kg × 3 m = 30 kg × d

Now, solving for (d):

60 kg·m = 30 kg × d

Dividing both sides