National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Torsion Balance
Experiment with the torsion balance and see what happens first by giving the rod a charge, and then by moving the charged rod closer to the outer metal sphere of the instrument. Observe what happens to the needle as the charge increases.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Torsion Balance 1785
Read about Charles Augustin de Coulomb, who didn't invent the torsion balance, but was the first to discover it could be used to measure electrical charge- the first device capable of such a feat.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Balancing Act
Learn about balance by placing objects on a playground teeter totter. Take the challenge to show what you learn.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Introduction to Torques: A Question of Balance
Students will be introduced to torques and their importance in static balance.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Find Mass With Torque
Determine the unknown mass that is being balanced by a known mass for a meter stick balanced at its center of mass (50.0 cm mark).
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Find Mass of Meter Stick With Torque
Determine the mass of a meter stick that is being balanced by a known mass. The center of mass for the meter stick is located at the 50.0 cm mark.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Find Mass With Torque Hard
Determine the unknown mass that is being balanced by two known masses for a meter stick balanced at its center of mass (50.0 cm mark).
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Sum It Up: An Introduction to Static Equilibrium
Students are introduced to static equilibrium by learning how forces and torques are balanced in a well-designed engineering structure. A tower crane is presented as a simplified two-dimensional case. Using Popsicle sticks and hot glue,...
NASA
Nasa: Weight and Balance Forces Acting on an Airplane
The effects of forces exerted on an airplane wing are discussed both conceptually and mathematically. Illustrations and sample problems and solutions are provided.
Other
Fear of Physics: Kids Playing on a Seesaw
See if you can balance two people on an animated seesaw and learn about torque at the same time.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Drawbridge
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about torque balance in the context of a medieval drawbridge using this interactive simulation. A PDF worksheet and a video tutorial are also available. [3:47]
OpenStax
Open Stax: Applications of Statics, Including Problem Solving Strategies
From a chapter on Statics and Torque in a Physics textbook. This section of the chapter discusses how statics can be applied in the real world, and strategies for solving statics problems. Includes a question, two exercises, and a...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Structures Around the World
How does that bridge stay up? What are the forces acting on that column? This site helps students understand how structures can be built by having them build their own. Also provides images of real structures for kids to compare with...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Rotational Motion
A page describing rotational equilibrium and non-equilibrium situations. Includes graphics, equations, and many examples.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Lifter (Ehd Thrusters)
Students teams each assemble a wing component of a lifter with the goal to test the lifter wing and measure the force exerted when high voltage is applied to it. After an introduction to torque and its use to measure force, students...
University of Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign: The Physics of Dance
A scholarly examination of the physics of dance, this reads like the notes of a lecture, so requires some intense reading. It presents a glossary of physics vocabulary, particularly as terms (e.g., torque, static balance) relate to dance...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: The Center of Mass
This site from the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a lab activity in which students determine the location of the center of mass of an irregularly shaped object. Observations are related to the balancing point of the object....