Experiment Number:

Date:
Aim: To find the UNKNOWN WEIGHT OF A BRASS BOB by the METHOD OF PRINCIPLE OF
MOMENTS.
Apparatus required:
i) A stand with clamp.
ii) A known standard weight of mass 50 g.
iii) A brass bob of unknown weight.
iv) A metre scale.
v) Some pieces of thread,
Theory:
From the Principle of moments, we know that at the equilibrium, the sum of anticlockwise
moments about a point must be equal to the sum of clockwise moments about the same
point. Thus,
If W1 = known weight,
L1 = distance of the known weight from the fulcrum,
W2 = unknown weight
L2 = distance of the bob from the fulcrum,
then according to the principle of moments,
W1 x L1 = W2 x L2
Or, W2 = (W1 x L1)/ L2
Since W1 is known, hence finding the values of L1 and L2, we can calculate the unknown
weight W
Observations:
W1 = known weight = 50 gf
Position of centre of gravity of the scale = ----------------- cm
Table to determine the weight of the bob

No of L1 (in cm) L2 (in cm) Unknown weight Average value

observations W2 (in gf) of W2 (in gf)
1 10
2 20
3 30
Calculations are to be shown in the blank page
Result:
The weight of the bob = ----------------------- gf

Precautions:
1, The position of the centre of gravity of the scale should be correctly measured.
2. The experiment must not be performed near an open window or under a running
fan.
3. The loops of the thread should be perfectly vertical to the suspended sale.

Diagram is to be drawn at the blank page

Note: Instead of spring, draw the loops of thread only.