I am going to investigate if there are any relationships which link the load supported by a cantilever with the sag.

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CANTILEVERS PHYSICS COURSEWORK

Aim

I am going to investigate if there are any relationships which link the load supported by a cantilever with the sag.

Variables

The possible variables for this experiment are a) the load and b) the overhang. I think that the load of the cantilever would affect the output variable (the sag) by increasing it as the load increases. The overhang of the cantilever is the length of the girder or beam after there is nothing supporting it underneath. The sag should increase as the overhang increases.

Equipment

The equipment that I will need to use in this experiment is as follows:

  • A cantilever (100cm ruler)
  • Newton weights (4N maximum)
  • A clamp
  • Table
  • Ruler
  • An S-hook

The equipment will be set up as shown below.

Method

I am going to hang different masses on the end of the cantilever using an S-hook when the equipment is set up as shown above. This will be my input variable. The overhang of the cantilever will be kept the same; I will decide on this length by carrying out some preliminary experiments. I will then hang weights a certain distance from the end of the cantilever and increase them steadily. I will measure the sag by using a ruler after every weight is put on. I will repeat each weight five times to ensure that I get accurate results and can then calculate an average. I will then record my results in an appropriate table. For safety reasons, I will need to wear safety goggles to protect my eyes if for example the cantilever breaks and equipment is slung across the room.

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Prediction

I predict that the sag will increase when I increase the load although the greater the sag becomes more weight will be needed to increase the sag the same distance. This is because gravity will pull down on the load putting the top of the cantilever under tension. This is when the molecules are stretched apart; the greater the stretch the greater the force of attraction The underneath of the cantilever will be put under compression which means the molecules are squeezed together. The closer they become the greater the force of repulsion. This means that a greater ...

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