Physics – 1.5.2 Turning effect of forces | e-Consult

Apparatus:

• A rigid lever (e.g., a ruler or sturdy bar)
• A low-friction pivot point (e.g., a knife edge supported by a stand)
• A weighing machine (capable of measuring forces)
• Weights of known masses
• A plank of wood to support the lever
• String to attach weights to the lever
• A protractor to measure angles (optional, for more advanced variations)

Procedure:

1. Set up the lever on the pivot point, ensuring it can rotate freely.
2. Place the plank of wood under the lever to support it.
3. Hang the weighing machine from one end of the lever.
4. Attach weights to the other end of the lever using string. Start with a small number of weights.
5. Increase the number of weights gradually, recording the total mass added to the lever at each step.
6. Observe the position of the lever. In equilibrium, the lever should remain horizontal or at a constant angle.
7. If the lever tilts, adjust the number of weights until it is in equilibrium.

Data Collection and Presentation:

Record the total mass added to the lever and the resulting position of the lever (e.g., whether it remains horizontal or tilts). You could create a table to present your data:

Conclusion: The experiment demonstrates that when the resultant force acting on an object is zero, there is no resultant moment about any point. This means the object is in a state of equilibrium and will not accelerate.