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serco
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Homework Statement
Hello everyone,
I am currently working on a lab report investigating the spring back of a stainless steel ruler. I am trying to determine a relationship between the distance/angle that the ruler is bent (without warping it) and the amount of force exerted by the ruler.
Here are some pictures of the lab:
http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/34299/2002296079504020446_rs.jpg
http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/35748/2002268245276951127_rs.jpg
I've measured the x and y components of the ruler when bent (and the angle can be calculated) with various amounts of mass attached to the end.
Homework Equations
Well, I am trying to find the force exerted by the ruler against the bending force (gravity).
-The very basic equation is the force Fg=(mass of attached object) x gravity
-Since when the ruler is bent (with masses attached to the end), the Fnet of the mass is Zero.
The Attempt at a Solution
Using Fg=mg
I was thinking, if an object is at rest on a table, the Fg=mg, and F normal= -mg. Bringing this idea to this ruler situation, if Fnet of mass=0, then F exerted by ruler is like F normal, and therefore is -mg.
But would the bending of the ruler play a factor in the force exerted by the ruler? Then using the angles and distances the ruler is bent, can an equation be found? I just want to know if i got the idea right.
And btw, any suggestions on a good graphing program?
-Thanks in advance,
regards,
steven
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