Tag Archives: equilibrium

Students first measure the vertical displacement of a pendulum bob and calculate its potential energy compared to equilibrium. The predict the pendulum bob's maximum velocity and then measure the actual velocity at the bottom of the swing.

In the first lab, students will investigate the arrangements of weights that result in equilibrium (balance) in the lever system. They will find that both the force and the distance from the fulcrum are important in evaluating the system. This investigation leads naturally into a study of torque. In the next three labs, students will [...]

This lab has two activities. In the first, students investigate the arrangement of masses on a center-pivot lever required to produce balance. They will develop the idea that both force and lever arm produce torque, and that both quantities must be considered when trying to produce equilibrium.

Lab # 2.1   Mechanics:  Walking the Plank
Purpose
In this activity, students will measure and interpret the forces acting on an object when the object is in equilibrium.
Discussion
Consider two sign painters who work on a scaffold (a plank of wood suspended by ropes at both ends). They might wonder about the tension in the ropes that support [...]