Our class did a lab Torque and First-Class Levers from NSTA's Take Home Physics book.
Rotational torque equals the product of weight and distance from the axis of rotation. The lab above is an easy way to demonstrate this calculation.
Materials include a ruler with a hole in the middle, some string, washers, and paperclips.
Construct the apparatus as shown in the lab. We found that the hole in the middle of the ruler was not exactly in the middle so we taped a small washer on the back of the ruler in a location that would balance the ruler. The ruler should hang horizontally before you start!
Record the number of washers you hang on the left side of the ruler at the distance prescribed in the lab. Balance the ruler by adding the number of washers on the right side of the ruler, as prescribed in the lab, then record the distance the washers needed to be from the axis to balance the ruler.
Multiply the number of washers times the distance from the axis. The resulting number should be equal. Calculate the margin of error. The students had margins of error of ten percent or less.
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