Balanced Forces Labs

Topic Subpages:

02.2 Forces
- Balanced Forces Model
- Unbalanced Forces Model
  - Unbalanced Forces Practica
  - Unbalanced Forces Problem Solving

In this lab you will investigate different forces acting to create a Net Force of 0 Newtons (Statics).

The Lab will consist of four possible questions:

Crossing a Wood Bridge

While walking across a platform bridge how to the forces at each of the supports vary as you move from one side to the other? (as modeled to the right)

Crossing a Rope Bridge

2. Upon arriving at a suspension bridge (rope bridge connected at each end) in the Mata Atlântica, you begin to inspect the anchor locations for the ropes. This makes you wonder about the forces acting on these anchors as you walk across the bridge. -or- Why did the roof fall down?

Slackline Over Pool Pulls Down Roof

Hanging Decorations

To hang a mirrored rotating ball at the Prom, a student wants to hang it so that it is touching the ceiling but mounted to hooks at the edges of the room. How will the forces change as the mirrored rotating dancing ball approaches the ceiling?

Analyzing the picture in GeoGebra:

Questions to consider:

1. How will you ensure that the horizontal line on GeoGebra is the horizontal line in the picture?

2. How important is the placement of the 'point' at which the mass hangs?

3. How can you use the function of inserting a 'segment of fixed length' in your analysis?

4. Which angles should you be measuring in GeoGebra?

5. How do the vertical components of the forces relate to the hanging mass?

Compiling and Graphing Data in Excel:

Questions to consider:

Question a: Platform Bridge:

1. You should have two lines on your graph, is there a third line that could be added to further the concept?

2. Research the concept of 'torque' and relate it your graphed data.

Questions 'b' and 'c': Suspension Bridge and Hanging Decoration

1. Which angles should you use when graphing your data?

2. How can you linearize your graph?

Whiteboard Presentation:

Your whiteboard presentation will consist of a presentation to one of the following groups.

1. Third Grade EAB Students

2. Other non-Physics US Students

3. Your Parents

4. Non-science EAB Teachers

5. Bridge Designers or Event Planners

6. College Acceptance Review Panel into the Major of your choice.

Breaking point of string

Determine the breaking point (T) of single string hung vertically.
With 0.75T load, determine angle at which will cause string to break at horizontal displacement. \__

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