Create a simple balance using a ruler as the balance beam and a pencil as the fulcrum. (A pencil or pen with a hexagonal cross section is easier to use than one with a round cross section.)
a. Does the ruler balance exactly at its midpoint? What does this imply about the ruler?
b. Using a nickel as your standard, what are the ratios of the weights of pennies, dimes, and quarters to that of the nickel? Describe the process used to find these ratios.
c. Is the distance from the fulcrum necessary to balance two nickels on one side with a single nickel on the opposite side exactly half the distance for the single nickel? How would you account for any discrepancy?