Meter Stick Balance

This demonstration shows torque and equilibrium.  A meter stick is balanced on a stand.  Mass can be hung at different distances and on both sides of the pivot point.  Depending on the sum of the torques the meter stick can be balanced.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations.  See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Place meter stick balance stand on a lab jack or stand if necessary and on a lab table.

Put meter stick clamp without hanger on the meter stick along with clamps with hangers.  Suspend the meter stick on the stand.

Hang mass hangers and masses until the system balances.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHYS 10111

• PHYS 10310

• PHYS 10410

• PHYS 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• Can we have more mass on one end of the meter stick and have it remain balanced?

• Can we have the pivot at a location other than the center and have it remain balanced?

• When do we need to account for the weight of the meter stick?

• What is the net force on the system? The net torque?

• Why would the net force not help us solve most problems?

• Can ask: where a mass needs to be positioned to balance, where the pivot needs to be positioned.

• How does this relate to center of mass?

Equipment Needed:

• Meter Stick

• Meter Stick Balance Stand

• At least 2 Meter Stick Clamps with Hangers

• 1 Meter Stick Clamp without a Hanger

• Mass Hangers

• Assorted Masses

• Lab Jack or Stand