Lifting rocks

This task is about exploring levers and distance to the pivot point. 
How to do this task

  • Set up the experiment in the diagram.

diagram of a pivot

  • Tape or blu-tack a small rock on one end of the 40 cm ruler.
  • Place known masses on the other end of the ruler till the ruler end with the rock begins to lift off the bench. Carry out enough investigations to complete the table below.

Question 1Change answer

a)  Complete the table below from your experiment results.
Distance from pivot Mass required to lift ruler from bench
20 cm
15 cm  
10 cm  
5 cm

Question 1Change answer

b)  Write a statement about what your results show.