Teacher Demonstration
Use the live model as a shared screen demonstration before students try their own predictions and observations.
Physics / Newtonian Mechanics
Ball And Motor Controlled Beam
Explore Ball And Motor Controlled Beam as an interactive EJS simulation for mechanics.
1. Watch or Launch
Launch the Interactive
Open the simulation, adjust the controls, and compare what changes on screen before answering the concept-check questions.
2. Big Ideas
Key idea Turning effects depend on the moment of a force: force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the pivot. A body is in rotational equilibrium when clockwise and anticlockwise moments balance.
What Students Can Learn
- Identify the pivot before calculating a moment.
- Use perpendicular distance, not just the length of the object.
- Compare clockwise and anticlockwise moments.
- Connect balance to zero resultant moment.
Guiding Question
Which force has the larger turning effect, and how does its distance from the pivot matter?
3. Try the Investigation
Choose the Pivot
Identify the point about which the object can turn before changing any force.
Predict the Direction
Use force size and distance from the pivot to predict clockwise or anticlockwise turning.
Balance the Beam
Adjust one mass or position until the beam is level or the rotation stops.
Write the Moment Equation
Explain the result using clockwise moment equals anticlockwise moment.
4. Teacher Notes
Lesson Use
Use this as a moment-equilibrium lesson. Make students name the pivot and perpendicular distance before using numbers.
Discussion Prompts
Ask: Which force is farther from the pivot? Would a smaller force at a larger distance balance a bigger force nearer the pivot? What evidence shows equilibrium?
Teaching Moves
Have students make a prediction from moments first, then move only one mass or force at a time to test it.
5. Concept Check
These questions are generated from the topic and the concept illustrated by the simulation. Use them after students have explored the model.
Concept Score
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Answer each question once to build your streak.
1. What is the moment of a force calculated from?
2. When is a beam in rotational equilibrium?
3. Why must the pivot be identified first?
4. How can a smaller force balance a larger force?
5. What should a strong explanation include?
7. Learning Pulse
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