How does increasing the density of a ruler affect its balance?

In summary, the conversation discusses balancing a ruler in procedure 3 and the effects of changing its density without altering its dimensions. It is determined that the ruler will still be balanced, but the direction may change depending on the hanging mass, the mass of the ruler, and distances. In the lab report, it is stated to balance the ruler at the 40 cm mark and adjust the mass to the left for balance. It is also mentioned that the ruler will tip away from the hanging mass at the 50 cm mark. The solution is then proposed to replace the ruler with a massless ruler and equivalent mass hanging from its center of gravity. It is concluded that the center of gravity will not move when the density is increased.
  • #1
NasuSama
326
3

Homework Statement



In procedure 3, you balance the ruler. If the density of the ruler increases without changing its dimensions, the ruler will...

→still be balanced
→be unbalanced, but the direction depends on the hanging mass, the mass of the ruler, and distances
→tip away from m
→tip toward m

In my lab report, it says that I need to balance the ruler at the 40 cm mark and then, adjust the mass to the left to make the ruler balanced.

2. The attempt at a solution

I said that the ruler will tip away from m, contrast to the ruler hung at the center 50 cm mark, but I'm not sure if that is true.
 
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  • #2
Replace the ruler with massless ruler and an equivalent mass hanging from its center of gravity.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
The centre of gravity will not move to another point when its density is increased - look at the formula for calculating the coordinates of the centre of gravity - this is what CWatters suggests in effect just worded differently.
 

FAQ: How does increasing the density of a ruler affect its balance?

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