Laboratory Experiment

Torque and the 2nd Condition of

Equilibrium
Objectives:

At the end of the exercise, the students should be able to:

▪ Derive the relationship among torque, force, and lever arm; and
▪ Identify the condition necessary for a system to be in rotational equilibrium.
▪ One (1) iron stand with clamp
Materials/Equipment:
and rod
▪ One (1) meter stick
▪ Set of masses
▪ Various strings

Basic Principles:
As discussed previously, the effect of a force in producing a change in a body's rotation depends upon the
magnitude and direction of the force and the point at which it is applied. The rotation or turning effect of a force
is called a moment or torque. Mathematically, it is defined as

𝜏 = 𝐹𝑟 sin 𝜃

= 𝑖𝛼,

where 𝐹 is the perpendicular force delivered to the system, 𝑟 is the lever arm, and 𝜃 is the angular position of
the lever arm. It can be also equal to the product of the inertial moment (𝑖) and angular acceleration (𝛼). A
body is said to be in equilibrium if it has no linear or rotational acceleration. To attain linear equilibrium, the
vector sum of all concurrent forces on the body must be equal to zero (0). To attain rotational equilibrium,
where all forces are in a single plane, the algebraic sum of the torques about any axis must also be zero (0).

Reminders:
In this laboratory exercise, you are free to explore and use the materials for this activity. Just be mindful of the
noise you and your groupmates might make. Never engage in horseplay whenever conducting this to avoid
injuries. Be quiet and efficient in conducting this experiment since you will be doing this in a public place on
the campus. Once you are done, assist your groupmates as a sign of courtesy. Attach your original laboratory
data on this sheet.

As a hint for this experiment, you and your groupmates must create a free-swinging lever with weights
attached at various lengths of the lever arm to demonstrate both center of mass and rotational equilibrium.
There must be four (4) trials in this experiment, where the lever must remain horizontal despite the variations
presented. Do not forget to refer to 01 Handout 2 whenever you are writing your laboratory report. Submit
your laboratory report as instructed by your instructor.

After the experiment, all unused materials must be arranged neatly on the table's center.
 Uniformly Accelerated Motion

Name Busano,Anna Marie C. Date Performed 4/29/2024

Section BSCpE - 121 Date Submitted 4/29/2024

Rate your group member’s participation, including yourself.

(0 = no participation, 1 = moderate participation, 2 = active participation, 3 = exceeded expectation)

Names of Group members Rating

Busano, Anna Marie 3
Dela Cruz, Jan Robbie D. 3
Hallig, Krentz Zaki 3
Ortiz, Mark Joseph 3
Quimno Lester 3

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:

1. How does the distance of the weights (with respect to the fulcrum) affect the rate and direction of the
rotation of the setup?
The distance of the weights from the fulcrum or the midpoint affects how fast and which direction it will turn or
rotate. For example, when a weight is placed further from the fulcrum it creates a stronger torque and faster
rate of rotation and placing a weight nearer the fulcrum achieves the opposite, weaker torque and slower rate of
rotation.

2. Compare the results of the four (4) variations of the setup.

Items:
Coin Purse (contains 10 pieces of ₱1)
Earpod Case
Hand Sanitizer
Watch
Tape (use to stick to the)

A. Equal Size, Equal Distance

We use 2 coin purses, with the same mass, as the weight at the both ends of the fulcrum. This causes the
fulcrum to be in a state of equilibrium. Therefore it will not rotate at all unless it was interfered (Wind or Touch).
B. Unequal Size And Distance
We use a hand sanitizer and an earpod case. We put the hand sanitizer farther from the fulcrum, while we put
the earpod case near the fulcrum. This cause the fulcrum to spin clockwise because of uneven weight and
distance.
C. Same Distance, Unequal Size
We use a watch and an earpod case as a weight. The earpod case, which is the heavier one, causes the fulcrum
to rotate clockwise.
D. One Side (1 item)
We use the watch as the weight and put it at the farther side of the fulcrum. Since there is no weight on the other
side, this causes the fulcrum to rotate counterclockwise.
 3. What condition is needed for the meter stick to be in equilibrium? Justify your answer.
When we put an object on both sides, they must have an equal weight, but if they do not, we must arrange them
until we achieve an equilibrium.

CONCLUSION:
The farther a weight is from the fulcrum on a seesaw, the stronger its torque and the faster it rotates. The
provided experiment showcases this with various objects. Two items with equal weight and distance balance the
seesaw, while unequal weight or distance causes it to spin in a specific direction. Similarly, a single object on one
side makes the seesaw rotate in the opposite direction. Overall, for a balanced seesaw, you need objects with
equal weight placed at the same distance from the fulcrum.