1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw. The forces shown have the same magnitude but act in different directions. In which of these could the forces acting on a seesaw be in equilibrium? A B C D Figure 1 (b) Figure 2 shows an open door. Explain why it is easier to close the door by pushing at point P rather than pushing at point Q. (2) (c) Figure 3 is a diagram of the forces acting on a swing. The swing is not moving. The seat of the swing, AB, is 0.80 m long. A person of weight 450 N sits on the seat. The person's weight acts at a distance of 0.50 m from A as shown in Figure 3. Ignore the weight of the seat. Calculate the force F2 by taking moments about A. (3) The upward forces exerted by the ropes on the seat are F1 and F2. force F1 = __________________ N

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1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

Question 1

1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw. The forces shown have the same magnitude but act in different directions. In which of these could the forces acti... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

Step 1

In which of these could the forces acting on a seesaw be in equilibrium?

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Answer

For the forces to be in equilibrium, they must balance each other. This can be determined by looking at the direction of the forces.

A: The forces are all vertically aligned and act in opposite directions, which can result in equilibrium.
B: The forces act in directions that do not allow them to cancel out completely; thus, they cannot be in equilibrium.
C: Similar to B, the forces are angled in a way that prevents equilibrium.
D: The vertical downward forces are balanced by the upward forces; hence, they can be in equilibrium.

Conclusion: The correct options for equilibrium are A and D.

Step 2

Explain why it is easier to close the door by pushing at point P rather than pushing at point Q.

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Answer

Pushing at point P is easier because it is located farther away from the hinges, which act as the pivot point.

The moment (or torque) created by a force is calculated as: $ext{Moment} = ext{Force} imes ext{Distance from pivot}$
By pushing at P, the distance from the pivot (hinges) is greater than at point Q. Therefore, for the same amount of force, the moment is greater at P, making it easier to close the door.

Step 3

Calculate the force F2 by taking moments about A.

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Answer

To calculate force F2 using the principle of moments (where moments clockwise = moments anti-clockwise), we first establish:

The moment caused by the person's weight ( ext{450 N}) at a distance of 0.50 m from A is: $ext{Moment}_{ ext{weight}} = 450 ext{ N} imes 0.50 ext{ m} = 225 ext{ Nm}$
Let F2 be the force acting upwards at a distance of 0.80 m from A: $ext{Moment}_{F2} = F2 imes 0.80 ext{ m}$

Setting the moments equal gives us: $225 ext{ Nm} = F2 imes 0.80 ext{ m}$

To find F2: $F2 = rac{225 ext{ Nm}}{0.80 ext{ m}} = 281.25 ext{ N}$

Thus, the force F2 is 281.25 N.

1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Figure 1 shows some forces acting on a seesaw - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

In which of these could the forces acting on a seesaw be in equilibrium?

Explain why it is easier to close the door by pushing at point P rather than pushing at point Q.

Calculate the force F2 by taking moments about A.

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