We can actually see here an explanation of how the student used the equipment to find the center of mass and why multiple lines were drawn on the shape:
1. String: The student tied a string to the shape at any point, ensuring it was taut. The string acts as a pendulum.
2. Small Mass (Adhesive Putty): The student attached a small mass (adhesive putty) to the shape's string-tied end. This addition allows the shape to balance and remain stable.
Continuation:
3. Stand: The stand was positioned to support the shape while allowing it to freely swing like a pendulum. It provides a stable base for the experiment.
4. Pencil: The student used a pencil to mark the string's position when the shape was at rest and hanging freely.
5. Straight-Edge (Ruler): The student used the ruler as a straight-edge to draw lines on the shape.
Experimental Process:
- Finding the Center of Mass: The student suspended the shape from a pivot point using the string and observed its balanced position. When the shape was at rest, the student marked the string's position with the pencil.
- Repeating the Process: The student drew lines on the shape, using the ruler to ensure accuracy, intersecting at the marked point on the string. Multiple lines were drawn to cross at different points on the shape.
- Locating the Center of Mass: The point where the intersecting lines converge represents the center of mass of the shape.
b. Reason for Drawing More Than 2 Lines:
The student drew more than two lines on the shape to create multiple intersecting points.