How to put together a lever system

Put Together a Lever System

16
STEPS
TOOLS

Place a dowel on the edge of the desk so it sticks out 5 cm.

Place a dowel on the edge of the desk so it sticks out 5 cm.

Use 2 pieces of duct tape to hold the dowel in place-one close to the edge of the desk and one toward the end of the dowel.

Use 2 pieces of duct tape to hold the dowel in place-one close to the edge of the desk and one toward the end of the dowel.

Attach a binder clip under the zero position (middle) of the half-meter stick and flip both metal loops up.

Attach a binder clip under the zero position (middle) of the half-meter stick and flip both metal loops up.

Hang the lever arm on the dowel. Adjust the location of the clip on the half-meter stick until it balances.

Hang the lever arm on the dowel. Adjust the location of the clip on the half-meter stick until it balances.

Slide a wedge-shaped eraser on the end of the dowel.

Slide a wedge-shaped eraser on the end of the dowel.

The mass lifted by the lever is the load.

The mass lifted by the lever is the load.

Hang the load, using the rubber band, on one side of the half-meter stick. The effort is the force (push or pull) needed to lift the load. You can move the load up and down with one finger.

Work with a partner to assemble a lever system like this one demonstrated in the Snapguide.

  • 1.0 spring scale with rubber band
  • 1.0 load with rubber band
  • 1.0 half meter stick, modified
  • 1.0 binder clip
  • 1.0 dowel
  • 1.0 pencil-cap eraser
  • duct tape
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