Loaded Beam

This demonstration is used to calculate the forces holding up a beam. As masses are rearranged, students calculate the tension in the strings to keep the beam from falling or rotating.

Setup:

Set up the equipment from the Klinger Magnetic Mechanics Kit as shown in the image above.

The instructor can change the location of the masses and have students calculate the tension in the strings.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10111

• PHY 10310

• PHY 10410

• PHY 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• What is the net force in each situation? What is the net torque?

• What are the tensions in the strings in each situation? If we added a spring scale, is that what we would measure? (can actually do this!)

Equipment Needed:

• Klinger Magnetic Mechanics Kit

• String