Forces, density and pressure

About this lab: Forces, density and pressure

Moments on a pivoted beam with draggable loads, a weight hung from two strings with the triangle of forces, a block lowered into different liquids showing upthrust and the rule for floating, pressure against depth with a probe and the origin of upthrust on a submerged cube, and the ladder against a smooth wall plus the torque of a couple.

Moments on a beam, three forces in equilibrium, floating and sinking, pressure in a liquid, and the ladder problem

Forces, density and pressure is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 4 Forces, density and pressure). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 5 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

• 4.1 Turning effects of forces: Centre of gravity as the single point where weight acts; Moment of a force: definition and application; Couples and torque. Lessons: Turning effects of forces.
• 4.2 Equilibrium of forces: The principle of moments; Conditions for equilibrium: no resultant force or torque; Vector triangle for coplanar forces in equilibrium. Lessons: Equilibrium of forces.
• 4.3 Density and pressure: Density and pressure: definitions and use; Deriving hydrostatic pressure: Δp = ρgΔh; Upthrust and Archimedes' principle: F = ρgV. Lessons: Density and pressure.

Full syllabus map: AS Level Physics 9702 topic 4.

How to use this simulation

1. 1. Turning effects of forces.
2. 2. Equilibrium of three forces.
3. 3. Density, upthrust and floating.
4. 4. Pressure in a liquid.
5. 5. The ladder, and a couple.
6. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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