Static Equilibrium
Overview
The purpose of this experiment is for you to verify the conditions for
equilibrium of an extended object. This experiment will be
carried out on a force table, and you shall be making all of the
measurements by hand, rather than with computer assistance. The
sophisticated extended object is a Popsicle stick.
You will collect data and analyze two cases. The first case is
for rotational equilibrium only, for which you shall apply two forces
to the object by means of two strings, two pulleys, and two mass
hangers with masses. Here, the object is held in place by a pin
in the center of the table that passes through a hole in the
object. The second case is for both rotational and translational
equilibrium, for which you shall have removed the pin. You shall
apply a third string force such that the object rests at the center of
the force table.
There is a short theory question at the beginning of the worksheet that
you are encouraged to answer before you go to lab.
Force table with pin, extended object, pulleys, mass hangers,
and masses
Part I
Part II
Worksheet
Index