Left Torque: -196.00 N·m
Middle Torque: 0.00 N·m
Right Torque: 196.00 N·m
Net Torque: 0.00 N·m
Beam Angle: 0.00°
Status: Balanced
Torque Bars
Left
Middle
Right
Net
Net Torque vs Time
Balancing Act Simulation: Torque and Rotational Equilibrium
This interactive 3D physics simulation demonstrates a
balancing act using a seesaw, masses, lever arms, gravitational force, torque,
and rotational equilibrium.
Torque and Lever Arm
Torque measures how strongly a force tends to rotate an object about a pivot.
In this simulation, each object produces a torque because its weight acts at a
distance from the fulcrum.
τ = rF = rmg
The sign of torque depends on which side of the pivot the object is placed.
A negative position gives a torque in one rotational direction, while a
positive position gives a torque in the opposite direction.
Rotational Equilibrium
The beam is balanced when the clockwise and counterclockwise torques cancel.
This means the net torque is zero.
Στ = 0
Students can change the mass and position of each object to see how the beam
responds. A larger mass or a longer lever arm produces a larger torque.
What Students Learn
How torque depends on force and distance from the pivot.
Why a small mass far from the pivot can balance a larger mass near the pivot.
How clockwise and counterclockwise torques combine.
How the condition Στ = 0 produces rotational equilibrium.
How adding a third object changes the balancing condition.
How to Use This Physics Simulation
Move the left and right objects using the position sliders.
Change each mass using the mass sliders.
Watch the beam rotate according to the net torque.
Use the torque bars and graph to compare the torques visually.
Click Three Objects to add a third mass to the beam.