Contextualization

Torque or moment of a force is one of the fundamentals in physics that allows us to understand why objects rotate and how they do it. In simpler terms, torque can be conceptualized as the 'measure of the force that can make an object rotate around an axis'. Although torque is commonly associated with gears and machinery, the concept also applies to a multitude of everyday phenomena. For example, when trying to open a door with a doorknob, you are applying torque to the doorknob to make it rotate around the door's axis.

Introduction

It is crucial to understand the concept of torque and its relationship with rotational motion for a wide range of disciplines such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and even biology. We apply torque when turning a key, opening a jar, and even when riding a bicycle. That is why it is of great importance not only to understand the physical concept behind torque but also to apply it to practical problems.

Torque is often compared to the concept of force, which we learn in physics. Just as force is needed to generate linear motion, from point A to point B, direct or indirect, torque is needed to generate rotational motion. However, torque is a bit more complicated than force, as we also need to take into account where the force is applied and in which direction it is being applied.

Practical Activity - Developing the 'Torque-Carousel'

Project Objective

The objective of this activity is for students to apply theoretical understandings of torque to build a carousel that operates based on the concepts of torque and moment of force.

Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, and each group will be responsible for creating a 'Torque-Carousel'. The Carousel will work based on the application of forces that create torque to move it. The idea is that students can see and experience the torque concepts that were previously studied theoretically. This is a hands-on, practical, and applied activity.

Necessary Materials

• Popsicle sticks
• Toilet paper rolls
• Small rocks/heavy aggregates
• Small cylindrical wooden bar
• Resistant wire
• Weight scale (or balance)
• Ruler

Step by Step

1. First, the group must draw the plan of their Torque-Carousel to be built.
2. Each group must use the toilet paper rolls (or any object that can serve as a base) to create the carousel's base.
3. The small cylindrical wooden bar should be placed in the center of the base to act as the carousel's axis of rotation.
4. Using popsicle sticks, students must build the carousel's periphery that will rotate around the axis.
5. The final setup should allow, by applying force (through weights) at different points of the carousel's periphery, for it to rotate around the axis.
6. Students must measure the distance of the force application in relation to the axis of rotation (the lever arm) and compare it with the amount of rotation observed.
7. Each group must conduct experiments by varying the location and magnitude of the applied force, recording their observations.

Document Writing

In the end, each group must present a report that should contain:

1. Introduction: Contextualizing the theme, explaining the relevance and application of torque in the real world, and the objective of this project.
2. Development: Detailing the theory of torque, the project activity, the methodology used, and the results obtained. Here, students should report how they planned and built the carousel, describe the experiments conducted, and discuss their observations and results.
3. Conclusion: They should expose the main learnings acquired, report the difficulties and challenges encountered, highlight the unexpected aspects that occurred, and conclude on the application of torque in practice. In addition, they should point out how the torque knowledge acquired in this project can be applied in real situations.
4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources they relied on for the carousel construction, the experimentation, and the report elaboration.