Physics Demo Number: 101

Approximate Run Time: 5 min

Bathroom Scales and Long Plank, For Verification

of Force and Torque Calculations

Demo Description

One places a long 2x6 across two sets of bathroom scales and stands at various points to verify that the equations for equilibrium yield the measured force readings on the scales.

Scientific Principles

For equilibrium the summation of both forces and torques must be zero.

Equipment

• Two Bathroom Flat Scales

• Long 2x6 Plank

Equipment Location

• Scales are on [G-3-1].

• 2x6 Plank is across from [H] columns hanging on bracket on back left hall wall.

Instructions

 

By taking appropriate scale readings and distance measurements while standing on the board and/or scales, one may verify experimentally whether the sum of forces and of torques for a given configuration of elements is indeed zero or not.

Writeup created by David A. Burba

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