Rotational Motion · Interactive

Torque & Equilibrium

A beam pivots on a fulcrum with a weight on each side. Torque is force times its distance from the pivot — τ = F·d — so the beam tips toward whichever side wins. It settles level only when the two turning effects match: w₁·d₁ = w₂·d₂. Double a weight, halve its distance, and balance holds.

Left torque (anticlockwise) Right torque (clockwise) Pivot reaction R τ = F × d

Left weight

Weight w₁ 8.0 N
Distance d₁ 1.20 m

Right weight

Weight w₂ 12.0 N
Distance d₂ 0.80 m
Beam mass m 2.0 kg
TILTS RIGHT
Beam state
9.6
τ left = w₁d₁
9.6
τ right = w₂d₂
0.0
net τ (N·m)
39.6
reaction R (N)
τ = F × d balance: w₁d₁ = w₂d₂ R = Σw

Controls

Try this: set w₁ = 8 N at d₁ = 1.2 m, then find the d₂ that levels a w₂ = 12 N weight — it lands short of 0.8 m, because the heavier weight needs the shorter arm. Then hit Balance it to check. Notice the reaction R never changes with distance: the pivot always holds the full weight.