Balancing Man
Equipment: A 'balancing man' and a block of wood.
What it does: The man balances on the block of wood.
Concepts Demonstrated: Center of gravity. Modes of oscillation
Classroom assembly:
- Place the block on the front bench.
- Balance the man on the block.
Optional:
- The balancing man may be used to demonstrate an oscillator with two different modes of oscillation. Different frequencies are observed when the man is displaced from equilibrium parallel or perpendicular to the weights.
Cautions: None.
Setup Time: Short.
Difficulty: Straightforward.
Visibility: Medium. This demonstration can be seen by most people in a large lecture theater.
Related demonstrations:
References: PIRA 1J20.40
Original Construction: The balancing man was purchased. The block of wood is approximately 1" x 1" x 6".
Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.
Prepared by Laura Schmidt, June 2007