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On a balance beam, the same object can be placed at different distances from the balance point (fulcrum), and have a different result. The weight of the object is one factor, but the distance from the fulcrum is equally important. Torque is a calculation that considers both weight and location, and the product of the two is a useful calculation for predicting whether a system will be balanced or not.
The interactive page, captured in the image below, will hang weights off a balance beam. What will happen when you
- add or subtract weights?
- move the fulcrum to a new spot?
- change the weight of the beam itself?
The Discover tab allows you to play with the variables and watch the results on the beam.
The Explore tab introduces some calculations that make it possible to predict whether the beam will or will not balance.
The Master tab doesn't do anything yet, but should eventually offer an array of initial conditions and ask for a prediction about the resulting motion.
The More tab leads here.
