Demonstration:

Calculations:

Reflection:

Our project consisted of 5 masses and 2 fulcrums, where in the first fulcrum with B1, the clockwise torques were Fg1 and Fg2 and the counter clockwise torques were Fg3 and Fg4, and in the second fulcrum with B2, the clockwise torque was Fg5 and the counter clockwise torque was tension. This project successfully proved equilibrium as a concept as our calculations showed that in our demonstration of equilibrium, the net force / the sum of the torques was almost equal to zero (0.148 N) in relation to the first and second condition of equilibrium. Further, we were able to find the force of tension being 0.119 N [45.0° N of W] which also proved equilibrium as a concept, as the net force / sum of the torques was also almost equal to zero (0.349 N) in relation to the first and second condition of equilibrium. However, there were many possible errors within our demonstration of equilibrium that lead to the inaccuracy in our data, being that our net force / sum of the torques did not truly equal zero. Primarily, the most influential error being our first fulcrum as it is not an exact point, allowing unnecessary “wiggle room” when balancing our masses. Other possible errors could have been the tilt of our central beam due to the flexibility of our straw, the inability to truly negate the mass our beams (B1 and B2) in our calculations, and lastly, any inaccuracies in our equipment (scale or rulers) when measuring our masses and beams.  

Core Competencies: 

Collaborating – working collectively, supporting group interactions, determining common purposes

Throughout this project, collaboration was key as I used these skills to effectively work with my group members as a team. There were numerous examples of collaborating during this project, being when first designing our demonstration (considering everyone’s ideas, brainstorming together), building our demonstration (overcoming many obstacles together, lots of trial and error), and doing our calculations (helping each other when one of us did not understand or needed guidance on a problem).