Finding Mass with a Lever: A Scientific Approach

  • Thread starter deuterium
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Lever Mass
In summary, the problem is to find the mass of a meter stick using only a lever. The materials needed are a fulcrum, a 100 g mass, a mass hanger of mass 16.5 g, a fulcrum pivot, and the meter stick. The procedure involves balancing the meter stick on the fulcrum at its center, hanging the mass on the meter stick and moving it until it balances again, and then using a torque balance equation to find the mass. The experiment should be repeated multiple times at different points to get an accurate measurement of the mass.
  • #1
deuterium
2
0
i was given a lab to find the mass of a meter stick using only a lever. Here's what the writeup says:


Problem: Find the mass of a meter stick. (No cheaters, no scales!)

Materials: Fulcrum, a 100 g mass, a mass hanger of mass 16.5 g, fulcrum pivot, meter stick.

Procedure: You are completely on your own to come up with on this one. (Hint: Remember that the mass of the meter stick acts like it comes completely from the center of gravity.)




Not exactly sure where to start with this one, though i think that you need to use torque. Any help will be appriciated, Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You should be able to balance the meter stick on the fulcrumat the center of the meter stick. Then you should hang the mass on the meter stick and move the meter stick until it balances again. You can then balance the torques to find the mass -->
mass of meter stick = m
mass of hanger plus 100g mass = M
distance between fulcrum and center of meter stick = d
distance between fulcrum and M = D

Set up a torque balance equation and find that:

mgd = MgD

So, with M known, you measure d and D and calculate m. You should repeat the experiment a number of times with the mass at different points to get a good experimental measure of m. For example, you could hang the weight at 5 cm intervals. position it correctly, measure, and calculate.
 
  • #3
Alright, i think i understand it now, thank you very much for the help.
 

1. What is the principle behind using a lever to find mass?

The principle behind using a lever to find mass is based on the concept of torque. Torque is the force applied to an object multiplied by the distance from the fulcrum. By using a lever, we can balance the torque of an unknown mass with the torque of a known mass to determine the unknown mass.

2. How does the length of the lever affect the accuracy of finding mass?

The longer the lever, the more accurate the measurement of mass will be. This is because a longer lever creates a larger distance from the fulcrum, resulting in a greater torque. As a result, smaller masses can be accurately measured with a longer lever.

3. What is the role of the fulcrum in finding mass using a lever?

The fulcrum serves as the pivot point in a lever system. It is where the lever is supported and rotates around. By adjusting the position of the fulcrum, we can balance the torque of the known and unknown masses to determine the unknown mass.

4. Are there any limitations to using a lever to find mass?

Yes, there are some limitations to using a lever to find mass. One limitation is that the lever must be balanced in order to accurately determine the mass. Additionally, the lever must be able to support the weight of the known and unknown masses without bending or breaking.

5. Can a lever be used to find the mass of any object?

In theory, a lever can be used to find the mass of any object. However, the lever must be properly balanced and able to support the weight of the object without bending or breaking. Additionally, the object's shape and size may affect the accuracy of the measurement, so it is important to use a lever that is appropriate for the object being measured.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
918
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
19K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
6K
Replies
31
Views
644
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top