In the Torque About It Activity Kit for physical science and physics, discover firsthand how the balance point of a system is affected by mass distribution.
Students discover first hand how the balance point of a system is affected by mass distribution. First, they measure the mass of a randomly selected plastic tube, steel rod and wood dowel. Next, they combine the pieces in a specific configuration and calculate the center of mass for the system. Finally, they confirm the system’s center of mass by testing the balance point position of the system. Students will find the balance point and the center of mass to be the same. Since the plastic tubes and steel rods have various lengths, each student group will have one of 25 different combinations.
Comes complete with instructions and enough materials for five groups of students.