Introducing Concept of Equilibrium in Primary School Physics Class

Abstract

We say that an object is in equilibrium if it does not accelerate. The conditions for keeping the body in equilibrium are that both, the net force and the net torque, acting on the object are zero. Although students are very familiar with equilibrium in their everyday life, they do not have the scientific knowledge about this concept and often misconceptions are formed. It is advisable that physics teachers help students in the formation and development of the scientific concept of equilibrium with the help of examples from everyday life with additional explanations, using simple experiments and new technologies. Selected everyday life examples, simple experiments and PhET simulations, as well as idea for creating multimedia quiz, will be presented in this paper. For example, teacher can take students to the playground and they can learn about equilibrium experimenting on the seesaw. Similarly, students can use ruler and paperclips to make balance and carry out different simple experiments. Moreover, students can try to keep body in equilibrium by changing the intensity or direction of the forces acting on it. There is also available PhET simulation for inquiry Balance. Presented ideas of teaching students about equilibrium can help in detecting students' misconceptions, as well as in formation scientific concept of equilibrium.