jasper and gemma are going to play on a teeter totter. gemma gets on first. when jasper gets on, gemma moves…

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? assume that jasper and gemma are the same distance from one another. 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
Explanation:
Step1: Understand balance of forces
For a teeter - totter to be in equilibrium (not moving up or down), the torques on both sides must be equal. Torque $\tau = F\times d$, where $F$ is the force (weight in this case) and $d$ is the distance from the pivot. Given they are at the same distance from each other (and thus from the pivot). If the teeter - totter is not moving up or down, the weights (forces) must be equal, which means the forces are balanced.
Answer:
The forces are balanced because Jasper weighs the same as Gemma.