A rowing boat has an oar pivoted at the rowlock on the side of the boat. The rower pulls the handle inside…

A rowing boat has an oar pivoted at the rowlock on the side of the boat. The rower pulls the handle inside the boat, while the blade pushes against the water outside. Which point acts as the fulcrum for the oar?
  1. The blade in the water
  2. The rowlock attached to the boat
  3. The rower's hands on the handle
  4. The center of the boat

Solution

The rowlock acts as the pivot point (fulcrum) about which the oar rotates when effort is applied to the handle to push against the load of water.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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