Rotational Equilibrium and Dynamics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a lab project in Rotational Equilibrium and Dynamics, where participants are tasked with calculating the weight of a meter stick using a known weight. The setup involves suspending the weight from a fixed point on the meter stick and determining the margin of error based on the calculated weight versus the actual weight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for balancing the meter stick, including suspending it from a finger and considering the effects of forces and torques. Questions arise about the placement of the axis and the implications of uniform mass distribution.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the physical setup and the calculations involved. Some participants express uncertainty about their reasoning and seek validation for their approaches, while others provide hints and challenge assumptions without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the axis placement and the need to consider torque in their calculations. There is ongoing discussion about the implications of different setups and the necessity of precise measurements in the experiment.

  • #31
Yes, thank you for your help. :)
 
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  • #32
Jasonn said:
Yes, thank you for your help. :)

You're welcome.

Hopefully, you now see the answer to your question "if I use 70 cm instead of 50 cm, I will get a different mass"...

The answer is that you don't get to pick the distance of the mass...The experiment will tell you that only one distance (for a given mass and a given position of the ruler on your finger) will keep the system at equilibrium.

godo luck!
 

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