Lab 5: Torque and Force Systems in Equilibrium
Name Date
Assignment Submission Directions: Download this assignment sheet and complete by answering all
questions. You will need to access the simulations website in order to complete the labs. When completed,
save your work and upload the document to the Assignment Upload for graded submission. 50 points.
Items in red font require submission into a pre populated text box shown as Click here to enter text. (Note:
you do not need to fill this one in, for directions purposes only.)
Part A: Balancing Act
Learning Goals: Students will be able to
● Predict how objects of various masses can be used to make a plank balance.
● Predict how changing the positions of the masses on the plank will affect the motion of the plank.
● Write rules to predict which way a plank will tilt when objects are placed on it.
Activity
Load the simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balancing-act
● Select ‘Balance Lab’
● Turn the ‘Rulers’ on.
● The red bricks are moveable and can be
placed onto the balance beam. Try it out.
, Lab 5: Torque and Force Systems in Equilibrium
1. Place the 10 kg mass at 1 m to the right of the pivot. Where would you place the 5 kg mass in order to
keep it from rotating? In other words…how do you keep the plank balanced or in static equilibrium?
A B C D E F G
☐A B C D E F G
2. Place the 10 kg mass at 1 m to the right of the pivot. Where would you place the 15 kg mass in order to
keep the plank in static equilibrium?
A B C D E F G
☐A ☐B ☐C ☐D ☐E ☐F ☐G
Name Date
Assignment Submission Directions: Download this assignment sheet and complete by answering all
questions. You will need to access the simulations website in order to complete the labs. When completed,
save your work and upload the document to the Assignment Upload for graded submission. 50 points.
Items in red font require submission into a pre populated text box shown as Click here to enter text. (Note:
you do not need to fill this one in, for directions purposes only.)
Part A: Balancing Act
Learning Goals: Students will be able to
● Predict how objects of various masses can be used to make a plank balance.
● Predict how changing the positions of the masses on the plank will affect the motion of the plank.
● Write rules to predict which way a plank will tilt when objects are placed on it.
Activity
Load the simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balancing-act
● Select ‘Balance Lab’
● Turn the ‘Rulers’ on.
● The red bricks are moveable and can be
placed onto the balance beam. Try it out.
, Lab 5: Torque and Force Systems in Equilibrium
1. Place the 10 kg mass at 1 m to the right of the pivot. Where would you place the 5 kg mass in order to
keep it from rotating? In other words…how do you keep the plank balanced or in static equilibrium?
A B C D E F G
☐A B C D E F G
2. Place the 10 kg mass at 1 m to the right of the pivot. Where would you place the 15 kg mass in order to
keep the plank in static equilibrium?
A B C D E F G
☐A ☐B ☐C ☐D ☐E ☐F ☐G
