Seesaw lever: the balance rule
A heavy load close to the pivot balances a light one far away. An interactive lever model for kids 8+: torque and balance.
Interactive experiments for kids, students and teachers. Run each one right on the page, then open a copy in the Tymora editor and change mass, friction, elasticity or gravity. Every experiment comes with discussion questions and a version to try at home.
A heavy load close to the pivot balances a light one far away. An interactive lever model for kids 8+: torque and balance.
Two stacks of books: one with a careful overhang and one with too much. One stands, the other falls — the center of mass decides.
Two ladders lean on a wall: the steep one stands, the shallow one slides. Find out why ladders are set at about 15°.
Two identical boats are heeled over. Cargo high on a mast capsizes one, cargo in the hold rights the other.
Nine wedge stones hold each other and a load on top. Remove the keystone and the arch collapses.
Two cranes hold the same load. One has a counterweight and its jib stays level; the other’s jib tips over.
A crank mechanism shakes the platform. A narrow tower falls, a wide house stands, and the same tower on soft springs and dampers survives the shaking.