Purpose:

The purpose of the lab was to examine the calculation of balancing forces and the concept of
torque.

Pre-Lab:

1. Translational Equilibrium can be defined as a occurring when an object is not accelerating,

ie. the sum of all external forces equals zero. An example of this could be a book being
pushed across a table.
2. Rotational Equilibrium can be defined as occurring when the sum of all external torques on
the object is zero.
3. It is possible for an object to be in translational equilibrium#203277 while not being in
rotational equilibrium. This would mean that the velocity of the centre of mass is the same
as the velocity at the extrema along the y-axis, and can be seen as being pushed. An example
of this is pushing a book across a table.
4. It is possible for an object to be in rotational equilibrium while not being in translational
equilibrium. This would mean that the velocity of the centre of mass is the same as the
velocity at the extrema along the top of the object, while being inverse of that along the
object. An example of this could be spinning a wheel midair.

Data and Calculations:

Please look at data sheet.

Analysis:
nalysis Questions:
1- For the working backwards section of the lab, did you find that the net torque on the meter
stick was 0? In other words, were torques exerted by masses on opposite sides of the
fulcrum equal? If not, how far off were they?
DO THIS ONE
2- For the working forwards section of the lab, were you able to successfully predict where the
last mass should be placed in order to balance the torque on the meter stick? If not, how far
off were you?
3- What are some possible sources of error? Be specific.
There were several potential sources of error, like miscacluclation, mistabulation of distances from
centre, errors in creating the proportions of distance between the two, and measuring the weight of
the objects.
4- a) For the working backwards and working forwards sections of the lab, why were you able
to ignore the mass of the meter stick?
This is due to the fact that the metre stick itself is not affecting the measurment of weight and
torque and is instead being acted upon.
b) In the calculations that you did for the unbalanced meter stick section of the lab, how did
you account for the torque exerted by the weight of the meter stick itself?
5- For the working forwards section of the lab, what other method or concept that we learned
this year could you have used to predict where the last mass should be placed in order for
the meter stick to be balanced? Explain how you would have done this.
6- Summarize what you did in this lab, and what you learned.