PURPOSE: To demonstrate the small deflection of an aluminum beam due to weighting between supports.
DESCRIPTION: A mirror serves as an optical lever for the laser beam. The aluminum beam deflects as weights are added, causing change of location of the laser beam along the scale at the rear of the photograph.
SUGGESTIONS: Do not set weights on lecture table, because this will cause spurious deflection.
REFERENCES: (PIRA 1R20.20)
EQUIPMENT: Beam with mirror, scale, laser, and four 2 kg weights, as photographed.
SETUP TIME: 10 min.
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