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Torque and Equilibrium Online Simulation (Last Revised Mar

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Torque and Equilibrium

Online Simulation (Last Revised Mar. 23, 2020)

 

PhET Simulation Used:  Balancing Act

 

Goals

1. To learn how to calculate torque
2. To learn the conditions for equilibrium of torque
3. To be able to distinguish CW and CCW torque

 

Theory

Torque is calculated by the following formula

                        τ= F r sinθ

 

Simulation Setup

Open the PhET Simulation Balancing Act - Balance Lab option on the simulation

 

Choose the balance saw (the right option at the bottom of the page) with supports.

Click on “mass labels” and “rulers” options from the menu on the right.

 

 

 

Activity 1

 

 

Place a 5-kg brick at the 1.5-m mark on the left side of the board. Find the location on the right where a 15-kg brick will balance the board.

 

Calculate the Clockwise and Counterclockwise Torque

CW Torque : _______________________

CCW Torque: ______________________

Are they equal in  magnitude? : ________

 

Activity 2