Torques in Equilibrium PURPOSE: In this activity you will investigate the concepts of center of gravity, torque, and rotational equilibrium. THEORY: When an object is placed on a pivot, or fulcrum, the mass on either side of the fulcrum can produce torque, t. Torque is to rotational motion what force is to linear motion, i.e. a net torque on an object produces rotational acceleration, like a net force produces linear acceleration. The magnitude of torque on either side of a fulcrum is the product of the force and distance on that side of the pivot; the direction is either clockwise or counterclockwise. PROCEDURE: You will use a meterstick, fulcrum, and various masses in this lab. Begin by using the knife edge support with the meterstick and fulcrum to find the center of mass/gravity of the meterstick. Location of center of gravity =_ 0.5( m Next, hang a C-clamp with unknown mass at the 90 cm mark as shown. Determine the unknown mass by placing a known mass on the other side to balance the system. Show your calculations in the space provided. 0. 21\\ m 0. 289 m 0 . A m 0 . 1 m calculated mass of - ? unknown : - KNOWN MASS UNKNOWN MASS 0. 029 -kg 0.04_kg AT 90 cm MARK I = rFsino Actual Tccw = (measured ) ET = 0Y 0.284 ( 0 .04 ) ( 9 .8 ) = 0.4 ( m ) ( 9.8 ) mass of m = 0. 289 (0 . 04) ( 9. ) unknown . 0. 4 (9.8 ) = 10 . 0289 kg 01 024 kg Next, find the mass of the meterstick by placing the fulcrum at some point other than its center and then using a known mass on one side of the pivot to balance the system. , 0. 215 m 0. 785 m Actual ( measured) mass of meterstick : 0. 096 kg calculated mass 0. 105 kg of meterstick : ANALYSIS: Some things to think about... kg . A complete analysis for determining the mass of the meterstick should include a FBD with all masses that give rise to torques on each side of the fulcrum clearly labeled. Likewise, show your complete calculations of torque that produce your final estimate.. For both the unknown mass and the meterstick, you should compare your experimentally determined masses with their actual masses