PhysicsGrade 11Elasticity and Static Equilibrium

Equilibrium Lab: Torque, Balance, and Center of Mass

Move loads on a beam, shift the pivot, change stiffness, and measure net torque, support force, center of mass, and deflection.

SimulationsLab index
Textbook unitElasticity and Static Equilibrium of Rigid BodyGrade 11 Physics Unit 3
Keywordstorque, equilibrium, center of mass, elasticity, rigid bodyMapped to available textbook headings
Practice modeManipulate, measure, explainUse the controls, then read the live evidence

Physics ยท Grade 11

Equilibrium Lab: Torque, Balance, and Center of Mass

Drag loads, shift the pivot, and change beam stiffness to measure torque balance, center of mass, support force, and elastic deflection.

StatusBalanced
1

Balance two loads by making clockwise torque equal counterclockwise torque.

2

Shift the pivot and restore balance using load position instead of mass.

3

Increase beam load or reduce stiffness, then explain the deflection evidence.

-3 m0+3 m
216 N
COM
12 kg
6 kg
Net torque0.0 N mBalanced
Counterclockwise129.5 N m
Clockwise129.5 N m
Left moment-129.5 N m118 N x 1.1 m
Beam moment0.0 N m39 N x 0.0 m
Right moment129.5 N m59 N x 2.2 m
Net torque0.0 N m
Center of mass0.0 m
Deflection0.1 mm
Torque insight

Rotational equilibrium: clockwise torque (129.5 N m) and counterclockwise torque (129.5 N m) cancel. Net torque is near zero, so the beam stays level.

Net torque0.0 N m
Center of mass0.0 m
Support force216 N
Beam angle0.0 deg
Deflection0.1 mm

Lab task

Make net torque approach zero, record the trial, then change the pivot and rebalance by adjusting one moment arm.

Observation rule

Rotational equilibrium occurs when clockwise and counterclockwise torques cancel. Deflection increases when load rises or stiffness falls.

Mission

What to prove in this lab

  1. Use clockwise and counterclockwise torque to predict rotational equilibrium.
  2. Locate the center of mass for a loaded rigid beam.
  3. Explain how beam stiffness changes elastic deflection under load.