1J40.41 Loaded Beam

Hang the meter stick so that the identical scales are attached at equal distances from its ends. A weight can then by hung from known positions along the stick to demonstrate different static torques.

This photo shows a vertical rod fixed at each of the right and left edges of a table. A horizontal rod is fastened across the top of the two vertical rods, creating a somewhat rigid frame. A spring scale hangs vertically from each vertical rod. A meter stick with a knife-edge clamp at each end hangs below and across the two spring scales. The spring scales are hooked to the knife-edge clamps fastened to the two ends of the meter stick. A third knife-edge clamp slides freely from the right side to the left side of the meter stick, between the spring scales. A hooked mass hangs from this third knife-edge clamp. Currently, a 1-kg hanging mass is set at a point near the center of the meter stick. The leftmost spring scale reads 6 N. The right spring scale reads 5.8 N. A set of hanging masses and a spare meter stick appear on the table.

This photo depicts the same general set-up as the first photo on this page: a meter stick hangs from two spring scales which hang from vertical rods. A hanging mass can slide along the meter stick. In this photo, the hanging mass is set closer to the right-hand spring scale. The right-hand spring scale reads 7 N. The left-hand scale reads about 4.8 N.

Location: HI (scales)