Equilibrium (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics): Revision Note

Equilibrium

• In physics, an object is in equilibrium when there is no resultant force and no resultant moment acting on the object

Conditions for equilibrium

• For objects in equilibrium:

  • The forces on the object must be balanced

    • There must be no resultant force (opens in a new tab)

  • The sum of clockwise moments on the object must equal the sum of anticlockwise moments

    • There must be no resultant moment

Examples of systems in equilibrium

When the forces and moments on an object are balanced, the object will remain in equilibrium

Demonstrating equilibrium

Extended tier only

Aim of the experiment

• This experiment aims to demonstrate that there is no resultant moment for an object in equilibrium 

Variables

• Independent variable = mass, $m$,  and distance, $s$

• Dependent variable = moment, $M$ 

• Control variables:

  • The length of the cotton loops should be equal on each side of the beam

  • The position of the pivot relative to the ruler's centre of mass should stay the same during the experiment

Equipment

Equipment list

Example set-up of equipment to demonstrate equilibrium

The ruler acts as the beam with the pin as the pivot. Unequal masses are added at different distances until the beam is balanced and equilibrium is reached

Method

1. Secure the optical pin to the clamp stand

2. Mount the unloaded ruler on the pin pivot, adding modelling clay if needed, so that it sits horizontal before any masses go on

3. Hang unequal loads on either side of the pivot; one person holds the beam while the other person hangs the loads

4. Adjust the distances of mass 1, $m_1$, and mass 2, $m_2$, until the beam is balanced and to ensure the beam is perfectly horizontal with no resultant moment

5. Record the masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ and their distances from the pivot

6. Repeat the process for different sized loads

Example results table

A results table should contain spaces for all the measurements taken and any calculations required

Analysis of results

• Force 1, $F_1$, is providing the anticlockwise moment, $M_1$

  • Where:

    • $F_1=m_{1}g$

    • $M_1=F_1{s}_1$

• Force 2, $F_2$, is providing the clockwise moment, $M_2$

  • Where:

    • $F_2=m_{2}g$

    • $M_2=F_2{s}_2$

• Remember to convert g to kg and cm to m for the calculations to give units of N m for the moments

• The results should show that for all the systems tested, the anticlockwise moment is equal to the clockwise moment

  • Therefore, there is no resultant moment when the system is in equilibrium

• The experiment works because the pivot sits at the ruler's centre of mass, so the ruler's own weight produces no moment about it.

Evaluating the experiment

• Systematic errors:

  • The cotton loops should be added to the ruler when viewed straight on to avoid a parallax error

  • The cotton loops should be measured to ensure they are equal in length

  • The experiment should be checked to ensure there is no friction between the metre ruler and the optical pin pivot so the ruler is balanced, only because of the added masses

• Random errors:

  • The precision of the experiment is improved by:

    • ensuring the experiment is done in a space with no draft or breeze, as this could affect the motion or position of the hanging masses

    • using an electronic system or a spirit level that identifies the angle of the beam would improve the experiment, or using a flat rod with masses placed on top

    • taking several readings for each mass and position and then calculating the mean

• It is assumed that the mass of the cotton loops is negligible (zero)

• It is assumed that the mass of each mass and hanger is 100 g; this should be verified in advance using an electronic balance

Safety considerations

• Safety goggles should be worn because the cotton loops could snap and hit someone in the eye

• Use a G clamp to secure the clamp stand to the bench so it does not topple over and cause injury

• The experiment should be carried out while standing, so the beam can be viewed at eye level without leaning

• Place a mat or a soft material below the metre ruler to cushion any masses that may fall to the ground and to keep the area clear of feet and hands