Torque Equilibrium Simulation
Meter Stick Balance with Mass Distribution
Simulation Parameters
5
grams
12
cm
45
cm
Physics Calculation
1
Total mass of coins creating torque:
mcoins = 2 × 5 g = 10 g
2
Distance from coins to balance point (lever arm):
dcoins = | 45 cm - 12 cm | = 33 cm
3
Torque created by coins about balance point:
τcoins = mcoins × dcoins = 10 g × 33 cm = 330 g·cm
4
Distance from meter stick's center of mass to balance point:
dstick = | 50 cm - 45 cm | = 5 cm
5
For equilibrium, torque from stick must balance torque from coins:
mstick × dstick = τcoins
6
Solving for meter stick's mass:
mstick = τcoins ÷ dstick = 330 g·cm ÷ 5 cm = 66 g
The calculated mass of the meter stick is: 66 g
