I.

Objectives
To identify the principles and concepts including the factors that affects the
magnitude of torque through balancing weights.

II. Discussion of Related Physics Concepts

Torque is the measure of how much force acting on an object causes that object to rotate.
With the setup of the experiment, it will then determine the force needed to balance (A) and form a
necessary angle with its horizontal (B) with one weight located at the right end and another one
located 2/3 to the left from the pivot point. The pivot point is the only axis of rotation.
III.Setup:
A. Pictures of experiment (pre-balancing)
Set-up 1A
Set-up 2A

Set-up 3A
Set-up 4A

Set-up 1A) Pre balancing, 2 spring-balances one in the right

most part, the other spring-balance 2/3 from the left of the pivot point.
Set-up 2A) Measuring the distance between force 2(spring
balance in the left) and the center of the arm balance.
Set-up 3A) Measuring the height between the center and
the pivot point.
Set-up 4A) Measuring
the arm balance and force 1

the distance between the center of

B. Force applied in the spring balance

Set-up 1B)

Set-up 2B) 2 nd

point

Set-up 3B

Set-up 4B)

Set-up 5B)

Set- up 6B)

1B: Force (2) applied for trial 1 of table 1

2B: Force (2) applied for trial 2 of table 1
3B: Force (2) applied for trial 3 of table 1
4B: Force (2) applied for trial 1 of table 2
5B: Force (2) applied for trial 2 of table 2
6B: Force (2) applied for trial 2 of table 2

IV. Data and Results

For Experiment 10:
Distance of F1 from center = 0.17 m
Distance of F2 from center = 0.115 m
Table 1
Trial

F1 N

1
2

1
3

F2 N
(measured)
1.5
4.05

F2 N
(calculated)
1.4783
4.4348

% difference
1.4572%
9.0703%

7.4

7.3913

0.1176%

Table 2
Trial

F1 N

1
2
3

2
2
2

F2 N
(measure
d)
2.6
2.8
3.6

51
31
13

F2 N
(calculate
d)
2.5093
2.4496
3.84

%
difference
3.8017%
5.2139%
6.4516%

Computations:

F2 comp =

F 1d 1
F2

% error= (

F 2 mF 2 c
100
F 2 m+ F 2 c
)
2
(1)Where d1 = 0.17
(2)Where d2= 0.115
(3)Where d3= 0.048
Table 1:
Trial 1: F2 comp =

( 1 ) ( 0.17)
=1.4783
0.115

Trial 2: F2 comp =

( 3 ) (0.17)
=4.4548
0.115
( 5 ) (0.17)
=7.3913
0.115

Trial 3: F2 comp =

Trial 1 % error =

1.51.4785
100
1.5+1.4785
) = 1.4592%
2

Trial 2 % error =

Trial 2 % error =

4.054.4348
100
4.05+ 4.448
) = 9.0703%
2

7.47.3913
100
7.4+7.3913
) = 0.1176%
2

Table 2: for trials no. 1 and 2

( F 2 )( sin ) ( L 3 ) + ( F 1 ) ( cos ) ( L 1)
2

F2 comp =

Trial 1 F2 comp =

( 2 ) ( sin 51 )( 0.048 )+ ( 2 )( cos 51 ) ( 0.17)

=2.5093
2

Trial 2 F2 comp =

( 2 ) ( sin 32 ) ( 0.048 )+ ( 2 )( cos 32 )( 0.17)

=2.9496
2

For trial no. 3

F2 comp =

( F 1 )( cos ) ( L3 )( F 1 ) ( sin )(L 1)

L2

F2 comp =

( 2 ) ( cos 13 ) ( 0.048 ) ( 2 )( sin 13 ) (0.17)

0.115

= 3.84

Trial 1 % error =

Trial 2 % error =

Trial 3 % error =

2.62.5093
100
2.6+2.5093
) = 3.8017%
2

2.82.946
100
2.8+2.946
) = 5.2139%
2

3.63.84
100
3.6+3.84
) = 6.4516%
2

V.Analysis of Results
7A)
In order to prevent mishaps, the spring balance was first placed in the right
position as this might have different results if done otherwise. Accurate dimensions
were also measured to minimize errors as well. For table 1, the arm balance must be
kept in a horizontal position, in order for that to happen the correct forces must be
applied in both the spring balances, again if done otherwise, yielded results will be
different than the expected results. In order to check this, the computation for % error
was applied.
For table no.2 the same process should be maintained, but the difference from table
no.1 is that Force 1 ( located at the left most part of the arm balance) should make an
angle along its vertical, meaning, a correct force must also be applied while
maintaining both the angle in the Force 1 and the 0 degree angle in the arm balance.
To check if we have established a correct angle, an angle indicator was placed at both
the spring balance and the arm balance.

VI. Problems

1. Which will make make loosening or tightening a screw easier, a longer

screwdriver or one with a bigger radius
-

In the said experiment, the radius(distance) was a factor in identifying the

Torque. So the length of the screwdriver is less considered than its radius,
hence loosening or tightening a screw with a bigger radius makes it easier.

2. What factors affect the magnitude of Torque?

- The radius of the force that will twist the object and the force applied in
twisting the object.
3. A 10 m beam lies horizontally balanced on a pivot at midspan. If a force of
10-N is applied at one end of the beam, where should a 20-N be placed in
order to maintain the beam horizontal?
-

The 20-N force should be placed NEAR the opposite end of the beam,
not at the opposite end. Doing so will balance the beam.

VII. Conclusion
Torque will always be applied in our daily lives, we can easily see this while
turning knobs. It is important to consider the right radius and force to perform the
right torque which is essential and necessary to create the expected exact
outcome.
VIII. Recommendations
The experiments were performed in an orderly manner, it is just that if we had our
own set up in our table, everybody would have finished earlier.

University of Santo Tomas

Faculty of Engineering
1st term AY 2015-2016

Experiment 10

Torque

Section:
2-15
Group no.: 2
Leader:
Garcia, Juan Miguel Antonio I. Garcia
Members: David, Christer
Dimaranan, Adrian
Elamparo, Korina
Gonzales, Kay-Anne
Instructor: Engr. Donn Angelo Hizon