A balanced lever has two weights on it, one with mass 3 kg and one with mass 8 kg. If the first weight is 7 m from the fulcrum, how far is the second weight from the fulcrum?

1 Answer
Aug 27, 2016

21/8 The force times distance on one side must balance the force times distance on the other side.

Explanation:

M_1 xx D_1 = M_2 xx D_2

The force x distance on one side of the fulcrum must equal the force times the distance on the other side of the fulcrum.

M_1 = 3 kg

D_1 = 7 m

M_2 = 8kg

D_2 = an unkown.

Subsitute the values into the equation and solve.

3 xx 7 = 8 xx D_2

21/8 = D_2

2 5/8 = D_2