Mass Determination Using Torque and Equilibrium: A Meter Stick Experiment

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Master7731
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Homework Statement



Purpose: Determine the mass of a meter stick without directly measuring it.

Possible Materials:
Select the appropriate materials you will use.

__ Meter Stick __ Thermometer __ Stop watch __ Washers __ Knife edge
__ Plastic ruler __ Known Masses __ String __ Pencil __ Metal/wooden rod
__ Marbles __ Cardboard pieces __ Sponge pad __ Sticky tape __ Elastics

You are not allowed to use a scale!



Homework Equations



How do i work this out?...im stuck

The Attempt at a Solution



I think from the conditions of mechanical equilibrium, Net Force = 0 and Net torque = 0 you could solve it... But I am not sure how...
 
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I would try to use the string the Washers and the pencil to somehow create a truck. I would put the meter stick on it and somehow give it a certain force ( like tie it with the metal rod) and count the time it needs to go some distance. Then I would repeat that replacing though the Meter stick with the known masses.
 
what? we ar supposed to use torque and equilibrium not kinematics