CONCLUSION:

For a lamina (flat-shaped) object, the lines should meet at a point. This is the centre of
mass. For an extended object, the centre of mass is still not uniquely determined. Suspension of
the object is required to find the center of mass and it will be inside the object. However, the
centre of mass doesn't have to be inside the object. If the object has a strange shape where most
of the mass is around the outside and it is curled up, the centre of mass can be at a point in space,
just like the result in letter L lamina.
We worked on this theoretical parts experimental section in which we investigated the
arrangement of masses on a center-pivot lever required to produce balance. We developed the
idea that both force and lever arm produce torque, that both quantities must be considered when
trying to produce equilibrium. It was found that in most of the situations it was clear that the
meter stick was in rotational equilibrium. This is because the value of the percent difference
between the conditions is low. After the distribution of the mass is considered the percent
difference between the torques is reduced. The forces are conserved in the first three cases
because the force of the masses is acting on the support piece. That piece applies normal force
back on the meter stick. Therefore when the forced are added, the net force acting on the system
is zero. And in rotational equilibrium, which means that the sum of all torques due to those
forces must be equal to zero as said before.

The data collected from the case three is indicative of how a triple beam balance works. A
triple beam balance works by moving set masses along the beams, away from the pivot point. On
the other side of the pivot point is the substance being weighed. By moving the mass, the torques
are changed because the length of the lever armis changed. Once the beam is balanced, rotational
equilibrium has been reached. At this point, the torques acting on each side of the pivot point are
equal, and the mass of the substance can be determined by reading the values from the beams.

This lab activity taught the concepts of rotational equilibrium and torques. It increased
understanding of the principles of rotational equilibrium through the calculation of rotational
equilibrium in numerous experimental scenarios. It also provided practice for calculating the net
torques acting on a system, and calculating and identifying clockwise and counterclockwise
torques. This was accomplished through calculating and identifying these values in multiple
scenarios tested in laboratory experiments.

References:

n.a.(2013). Center of mass and gravity and equilibrium: Retrieved from

http://www3.ul.ie/~mlc/support/Loughborough%20website/chap15/15_3.pdf
n.a. Engineering Mathematics. Calculating centre of masses. Retrieved from
http://ruina.tam.cornell.edu/Book/COMRuinaPratap.pdf