Question

Jasper and Gemma are going to play on a teeter totter. Gemma gets on first. When Jasper gets on, Gemma moves into the air, but she does not move to the top. Which statement could correctly explain the forces acting on the teeter totter? The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.  The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.  The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma.  The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma.

Answer 1

The forces are unbalanced because Jasper weighs more than Gemma
The side that Gemma is on will only move upwards if the force exerted on the other side is greater than the force exerted by Gemma. In this case, force is referring to the weight of the children. Therefore, in order for Gemma to go upwards, Jasper must weigh more than her.

Answer 2

A. The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.

Step-by-step explanation:

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