Lever Lab
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To learn more about levers, click here.

Purpose: To prove that the first object’s distance multiplied by its mass equals the second object’s distance multiplied by its mass.

d1m1=d2m2

Materials: One large (massive) object
                  Two smaller (less massive) objects
                  Bathroom scale
                  See-saw/ first-class lever
                  Meter stick

Procedure: Choose a large object and two smaller objects to allow you to begin the experiment. The large object can be an adult, two kids, or a regular every day object. The two smaller objects should have approximately the same weight.  Now using a bathroom scale, measure the mass of the large object and the two smaller objects. If the large one is composed of two smaller objects, add their masses together.

Mass of large object:

Mass of small object #1:

 

Mass of small object #2:


For the two small masses
Position

Distance from pivot point (fulcrum) to small mass #1

Distance from the pivot point (fulcrum) to small mass #2

the lever is balanced

    

Small masses moved closer to the pivot point

    

What happens when you move small mass #1 closer to the fulcrum? Which object is higher on the lever and which is lower?








For the large mass and small mass #1
Position

Distance from pivot point to large mass

Distance from the pivot point to small mass #1

Balanced

    

Large mass moved closer to the pivot point

     

Does the large mass need to be closer to or farther away from the fulcrum than the small mass to balance the see-saw?






Analysis Questions:

1) What happens if the large mass and the small mass are equal distances from the pivot point?

2) If you want to seesaw with a grownup (who weighs much more than you do), where on the seesaw do you need to sit? Where does the grownup need to sit?  Why?

3) How would you find out if, on a first-class lever, you and your friend weigh the same?

4) Can you think of a way you could use a lever like a seesaw to move something that is very heavy?

5) Many playground seesaws have fixed pivot points.  Are there any disadvantages to fixed pivot points?

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This Page was last edited on Thursday, July 27, 2000 .

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