Dial spring balances, kilogram masses , Pasco Dynamics track and car
Dial spring balances, board, kilogram masses
Dial spring balances, board, kilogram masses
Pasco Dynamics track, blue sphere, laptop showing force
Pasco Dynamics track, blue sphere, laptop showing force
 

 

Code Number: 1J40.40

Demo Title: Loaded Beam

Condition: Good

Principle: Center of Mass

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Dial spring balances, Board, Kg. masses or toy truck with a load, Pasco Dynamics track and car.

Procedure:

The short Pasco Dynamics track with a car and masses can be placed on the scales.  Moving the car to different positions on the track will give different readings on each scale, but the sum will always be the same.  Additional masses can be added to the car.

A toy truck with a load can be used in place of the masses.

A variation of this demonstration is to place the board on top of the two scales.  Place Kg. masses on the board in different places.  Move the scales under the board to positions where their readings are the same.

The scales can be replaced with force sensors.  Watch the reading of each force sensor as you move the heavy ball to different positions on the aluminum bar.

References:

  • P.-M. Binder, Beverly A. Gorospe, and Solomon Singer, "Real and 'Ghost' Masses in a Statics Problem", TPT, Vol. 57, #3, Mar. 2019, p. 164.
  • Mickey Kutzner, Andrew Kutzner, "A Progression of Static Equilibrium Laboratory Exercises", TPT, Vol. 51, #7, Oct. 2013, p. 430.
  • PASCO Scientific "Dynamics Cart with Mass"
  • Raul T. Mainardi, "Demonstration Experiments with Platform Scales", TPT, Vol. 39, #8, Nov. 2001, p. 488.
  • G. Stroink, "Center of a Gravity of a Student", TPT, Vol. 17, #4, Apr. 1979, p. 254.
  • Robert N. Jones, "Balancing", TPT, Vol. 10, #8, Nov. 1972, p. 469.
1J40.40 - Loaded Beam - Force Sensors