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.

LG
Answered by Louis G. Physics tutor

8270 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

In the Photoelectric Effect, what is mean by 'threshold frequency' and how does the magnitude a photons frequency effect the electron it is absorbed by?


Two people sit opposite each other on the edge of a rotating disk of radius, R, and negligible mass. One person has a mass of 40kg, the other of 50kg. The disk is rotating at 30 revs/min. What is the rotational kinetic energy if R=1.5m?


Explain the wave - particle duality


Explain Rutherford's atomic model experiment


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning