LAB: The purpose of this experiment is to study the conditionsthat must be satisfied for a rigid object to be in staticequilibrium. This is done by computing the total torque acting on ameter stick by means of weights suspended at specific locations onthe ruler.
If a baseball bat (thicker on one side than the other) is cut atthe location where it balances, with both side be of equalweight?
Can the meter stick be balanced if a mass is attached on oneside only?
In each of the procedures of this experiment, are the forcesalso balanced?
How do the different masses being balanced show the propertiesof a lever?
What are the sources of error in this experiment?
If the meter stick is replaced with a metal stick, and the wholeexperiment is done inside water (e.g. on the floor of a swimmingpool), will the same principles apply as they do in ir? Will itmatter if the masses are made of different materials (e.g. if the200 g is made of iron or lead, or wood)?
Why does a tight rope walker carry a long, horizontal bar tokeep him balanced?
