Calculate Balance Point Distance: A, B, C & D

[r4v3n]

Hi All

Ive been racking my brains and i just can't remember how to calculate a 'seesaw' type balance point!?

Please see the attachment - It am trying to work out what 'C' is (I know A, B & D)

Thanks very much

 

[vk6kro]

You need to know the distances from below the centre of mass of each of the weights on the beam to the pivot point.

Call these E (on the left) and F (on the right).

Then A * E = B * F if the beam is balanced and weightless.

 

[r4v3n]

sorry i mean this

Hi

Sorry for the confusion - please see my new attachment with a more accurate diagram.

Basically i am trying to position a handle in the center of a product so when it is lifted it will be balanced.

Again I am after 'C'

thanks very much

 

[vk6kro]

No, you have to know where the weights act on the beam.

This is below the center of mass of each weight and not at the end of the beam.

 

[pmacias]

Hello,

The balance point of a seesaw is the point at which the seesaw is perfectly balanced, with the weight on one side equal to the weight on the other side. To calculate the balance point distance, you will need to know the weights of objects A, B, C, and D and their distances from the fulcrum, or pivot point, of the seesaw.

To find the balance point distance, you can use the formula:

Balance point distance = (weight of A x distance of A from fulcrum) + (weight of B x distance of B from fulcrum) / (weight of A + weight of B)

In this case, you already know the weights and distances of A, B, and D. To find the weight of object C, you can use the fact that the seesaw is balanced, so the weight on one side must be equal to the weight on the other side.

Therefore, you can set up the equation:

(weight of A x distance of A from fulcrum) + (weight of B x distance of B from fulcrum) = (weight of C x distance of C from fulcrum) + (weight of D x distance of D from fulcrum)

Solving for weight of C, you get:

Weight of C = [(weight of A x distance of A from fulcrum) + (weight of B x distance of B from fulcrum) - (weight of D x distance of D from fulcrum)] / distance of C from fulcrum

Once you have the weight of C, you can plug it into the formula above to calculate the balance point distance.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.