Experimento Casero - Balanza y Torque - Física Creativa

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to build a homemade balance scale using basic materials like a ruler, tape, and a container. The goal is to measure the mass of an unknown substance (like flour) by applying the principles of torque. By balancing the scale with a known object and adjusting for equilibrium, viewers can determine the unknown mass through simple physics calculations. The video highlights the importance of precision in measuring distances and adjusting the balance for accurate results, making complex concepts like torque accessible in a hands-on and creative way.

Takeaways

• 😀 The goal of the project is to create a homemade balance scale using simple materials like a ruler, tape, and a lightweight container.
• 😀 The balance scale is designed to measure the mass of an unknown object by balancing it against an object with a known mass (50 grams).
• 😀 The materials needed for the project include flour, tape, a ruler, a marker, a light container, and an object with a known mass.
• 😀 It’s important to center the marker on the ruler to ensure the balance remains stable and the scale is not unbalanced.
• 😀 The container is placed on one end of the ruler, and the material to be measured (flour) is added to the other side.
• 😀 To find equilibrium, adjust the flour on the ruler until the balance is as close to level as possible.
• 😀 Finding equilibrium may take several attempts, but even small adjustments, less than a millimeter, can lead to accurate results.
• 😀 Once equilibrium is reached, measure the distances from the center of the ruler to both the known mass and the flour.
• 😀 The weight of the flour is determined by calculating the torque for both sides of the scale using the formula: Torque = Weight × Distance.
• 😀 The known mass (50 grams) is converted to kilograms, and the system uses the SI unit of Newtons for weight calculation, ensuring proper units are used.
• 😀 The balance operates on opposing torques: one side generates a counterclockwise torque (flour), while the other generates a clockwise torque (known mass).
• 😀 By setting up a simple equation based on the torques, the mass of the flour is determined to be approximately 40.15 grams.

Q & A

What is the purpose of creating a homemade balance in this experiment?

The purpose of the homemade balance is to apply the principles of torque to determine the mass of an unknown object by balancing it against a known mass.

What materials are required to build the homemade balance?

The materials needed include flour, adhesive tape, a ruler, a marker, a lightweight container, and an object with a known mass (such as a jar of water).

Why is it important to place the marker at the center of the ruler?

Placing the marker at the center of the ruler ensures that the balance is centered and prevents the equilibrium from being disrupted, allowing for accurate measurements.

How is the known mass used in the balance to determine the unknown mass?

The known mass (like the jar of water) is placed at one end of the ruler, and the unknown mass (like flour) is placed on the other. The position is adjusted until the balance reaches equilibrium, allowing the unknown mass to be calculated through torque.

What is torque and why is it important in this experiment?

Torque is a measure of rotational force. It is crucial in this experiment because it helps balance the forces on both sides of the ruler, allowing for the measurement of the unknown mass based on equilibrium.

Why does the balance need to reach equilibrium before measuring the mass?

Equilibrium is necessary because it indicates that the forces on both sides of the ruler are balanced. Only at this point can the torque calculations provide an accurate measurement of the unknown mass.

How do you calculate the torque in this experiment?

Torque is calculated by multiplying the weight of each object (mass × gravity) by the distance from the center of the ruler to the object. The torque values are then compared to reach equilibrium.

What do the different signs of the torques represent?

The different signs indicate the direction of the torque. A positive torque corresponds to the clockwise rotation, while a negative torque indicates counterclockwise rotation, which is necessary to account for the rotational balance.

Why is the measurement in meters converted to kilograms and then multiplied by gravity?

The mass needs to be converted to kilograms for standardization in the International System of Units. The multiplication by gravity (9.81 m/s²) converts the mass into weight, which is essential for torque calculations.

How is the final mass of the unknown object determined?

The mass is determined by calculating the torque values from both sides of the balance, and then using a simple equation to solve for the unknown mass. The result is typically converted into grams for convenience.