Meter Stick

Step 1:
A. Gives an example of a meter stick with a torque
Shows that the position of the fulcrum determines whether it will be balanced

B. Shows the meter stick being balanced on the table also showing that if they are balanced there are two equal torques

The center of gravity was very close to the 50cm mark  and the lever arms were then equal at about 50cm

C.We then added the weight to one side of the meter stick. This changed center of gravity therefore we had to change the location of the fulcrum to keep them balanced.

When balancing each side, lever arm and force were inversely proportional. The force on one side went up therefore its lever arm had to decrease to keep both torques equal to each other. On the other side the lever arm went up to balance.

Step 2:

1. Balance the meter stick
2. Measure each lever arm
3. Convert mass of the additional weight that was clamped on to weight
4. Use three solved variables in the formula for torque and counter torque to solve for the final (force/weight of meter stick)
5. Convert force of meter stick to mass

Step 3:

Torque= Counter-Clockwise Torque

Lever Arm(A) x Force(A)= Lever Arm(B) x Force(B)

23 x .98= 27 x Force(B)

22.54=27 x Force(B)

Force(B) = 8.348

Mass= 0.0851kg

Mass= 8.51g

The method that I developed worked because all I had to was make calculations and plug them into a formula with one variable. This is what the torque formula allowed me to do. We had the resources to find both lever arms and the mass of the weight added to the side was given. Unless given more information this was the only way to do the problem. When the weight was added and we were told that we had to keep them balanced, you immediately know that the lever arm would have to be increased on the other side so they could have the same torque. 

2 Resource Posts

I found this resource helpful because of the examples he provides throughout the video. He begins with a simple definition of center of mass and goes on to give an example that everyone understands and then goes on to explain other examples of where the center of mass on different objects would be. This video also helped me fully understand an object that has a center of mass that doesn't touch the object. The boomerang will have a center of mass and axis of rotation in the center, and will not touch the boomerang. 

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-torque-definition-equation-calculation.html

This resource was helpful because of its use of diagrams. Each diagram was an explanation of torque and they allowed a person to visualize the ideas literally or conceptually. Regardless of the type of learner you are, you could easily learn torque.