Name: Aaliyah Senior
Date: November 16,2021
Lab #: 8
Title: Turning Forces
Aim: To investigate the principles of moments.
Apparatus: Retort stand and Clamp, Meter Rule, Collection of masses, String
Theory: Moment or torque is the turning effect of a force. This experiment is to verify that the sum of
the clockwise moment must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moment about the fulcrum when
the applied external forces acting on a rigid object are in static equilibrium. The weight of the ruler acts
at its geometric center (center of gravity).
Diagram:
Procedure:
1. The meter rule was set up as demonstrated, with the fulcrum at 50cm mark.
2. A load of 200 g at about 20cm from the fulcrum was placed on the left hand side and
100 g on the opposite side of the fulcrum. The position of the 100g load was adjusted
until the rule was balanced.
3. The masses and their corresponding distances from the fulcrum were recorded in the
table provided.
4. The left hand product (Moment) and the right hand product ( Moment) were calculated.
5. The procedure was repeated for at least five different combinations of loads and
position of distance ; for example; 100 g and 300 g, 100 g and 400 g, 200 g and 300 g,
200 g and 400 g.
6. The masses and their corresponding distances were recorded.
7.
Results Table:
Left hand side Right Hand side
Mass (g) Force(N) Distance(m) Product(Nm) Mass(g) Force(N) Distance(m) Product(Nm)
Converted Converted to (T=F× d) converted converted (T=F×d)
to cm to to cm
0.15 1.5 0.205 0.31 0.1 1 0.31 0.31
0.25 2.5 0.188 0.47 0.2 2 0.236 0.47
0.35 3.5 0.183 0.64 0.3 3 0.214 0.64
0.05 0.5 0.174 0.09 0.1 1 0.089 0.09
0.15 1.5 0.285 0.43 0.3 3 0.14 0.42
Treatment of results:
1. Calculate the product of load (N) and corresponding distance (m) and construct a table
to display results.
2. Plot a graph of left-hand product against right-hand product. Draw the line of best fit.
3. Determine the gradient of the graph.
Discussion:
The principle seen in the experiment is the principle of moments and it states that the sum of
the clockwise moments about any point is equal to the sum of the anti-clockwise moments
about that same point. The general relative position for weights to be balanced is the clockwise
and Anti-clockwise Direction. If the ruler is tipping towards the heavier weight the lighter
weight should be drawn closer to the centre of gravity while if the ruler is tipping towards the
lighter weight the heavier weight should be drawn away further from the centre of gravity.
Factors that determine the turning effect of a force are the magnitude of the force applied and
the distance of line of action of the force from the axis of rotation. The fulcrum is placed at the
50cm mark of the rule as this will allow the rule to be balanced horizontally and have equal
lengths of the both sides ( left and right hand sides). The Gradient of the graph shows that the
clockwise moment which is the right hand side is equal by 1 to the anticlockwise moment
which is the left hand side at the same point.
Conclusion:
In conclusion to this experiment, The principle of moments was investigated where the
principle of moment was observed that each time the ruler balances horizontally we can see
from our results that the anticlockwise moment about the pivot is equal or closely equal to the
clockwise moment at the pivot. This verifies the Principle of Moments.
Mark scheme/Criteria
Skill:A&I
1. Records results with appropriate units 1
2. States direction to move weight 1
3. General relative position of weights 1
4. Factors that determine the turning effect 1
5. Reason for 50 cm mark 1
6. Interprets the gradient of the graph 1
7. Name and state principle 1
8. Conclusion with reason 1
