A diver of mass 60kg stands on the end of a diving board of length 2m from the pivot point. Calculate the upward force exerted on the retaining spring 30cm from the pivot point.

This question is asking about forces acting around a pivot point, so we can use the formula for the moment M = F*D about the pivot point. The clockwise and anticlockwise moments around the pivot must be equal, otherwise the diving board would start rotating. The clockwise moment would be the weight of the man, his mass * g , roughly equal to 600 N (if g is about 10), multiplied by the distance from the pivot point, 2m. This equals 1200 Nm. This balances the anticlockwise moment, which is the distance from the pivot point, 0.3 m, multiplied by the upwards force (tension). We find the force by dividing both sides by 0.3m, to determine an answer of 4000 N.

Answered by Louis G. Physics tutor

7534 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

By considering Newton's second law and his law of gravitation, derive an expression for gravitational field strength g in terms of its mass, m, the distance from its center of mass, r, and the gravitational constant, G.


What is the Centripetal force, and how does it keep objects in circular motion?


Explain how a stationary wave is produced when a string fixed at both ends is plucked


How, given the threshold frequency and the kinectic enery of a photon, do you determine the frequency of the phton?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences