Static Equilibrium using a Meterstick
Pre-Lab (Follow this link to print the Pre-Lab)
Static Equilibrium using a Meterstick (Follow this link to print the Procedure/Data Sheet)
Notice: Printing the procedure in the Auburn University Physics Labs will result in a 10% grade deduction Each student is required to print and bring a copy of the procedure to lab.
In the video below, the students are testing their prediction for section B of Part I. The students have carefully calculated where the 100g mass must be located on the meterstick when a 50g mass is at the meterstick's 10cm mark and a 70g mass is at the meterstick's 40cm mark. Note that the students have choosen the pivot point such that the mass of the meterstick can be ignored.
When the students release the meterstick, the system is momentarily in equilibrium. The system does not rotate rapidly; instead the meterstick momentarily balances, and then begins to rotate slowly clockwise. The students' prediction was accurate enough to justify moving on to section C of Part I, and the students would receive the 15 points for section B of Part I.