Question

weight A weighs 50 pounds. weight B weighs 100 pounds. if A is placed 6 feet from the pivot, how far must B be placed from the pivot in order for the bar to achieve balance?

Answer 1

To achieve balance, the momentum on both sides must be equal so that it cancels out. Momentum is simply the product of mass and distance, therefore:

 

50 pounds * 6 ft = 100 pounds * X

X = 3 ft

 

Hence B must be placed 3 ft from the pivot.