1J40.50 - Roberval Balance

Code Number:
1J40.50
Demo Title:
Roberval Balance
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Platform Balance
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Roberval Balance.
Procedure:

This device is a actual model of a platform balance.  No matter what their position on the horizontal arms, equal weights will always balance on this device.

References:
  • Mike Tomac, "Torque Rack Demonstrator", TPT, Vol. 36, #7, Oct. 1998, p. 438.
  • Paul Chagnon, "Animated Displays III: Mechanical Puzzles", TPT, Vol. 31, #1, Jan.1993, p. 32.
  • Paul Chagnon, "The Roberval Balance", TPT, Vol. 30, #4, Apr. 1992, p. 238.
  • H. Richard Crane, "Three Intuition Teasers", TPT, Vol. 29, #9, Dec. 1991, p. 593.
  • E. Scott Barr, "The Roberval Balance", TPT, Vol. 22, #2, Feb. 1984, p. 121.
  • "Little Stinkers: A Balance", TPT, Vol. 3, #3, Mar.1965, p. 136.
  • "Little Stinkers: A Balance", TPT, Vol. 3, #1, Jan. 1965, p. 39.
  • G. D. Freier and F. J. Anderson, "Mo-6", A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • Christopher P. Jargodzki and Franklin Potter, "219. Balance Paradox", Mad About Physics, p. 87, 223.
  • "Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics", Physics Demonstration Experiments - In Two Volumes, p. 285.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.