Yo Yo Balance

A yo-yo is hung from one side of a balanced, critically damped platform scale. The scale is adjusted to tare (balance) before the yo-yo is released. As the yo-yo oscillates, students can observe changes in the balance readings, which reflect the dynamic forces involved in the yo-yo's motion. This setup helps illustrate the principles of harmonic motion and how oscillating systems affect measurements on a balance. It provides a clear visual example of how dynamic forces influence the equilibrium of a system, emphasizing the interaction between mass, tension, and acceleration in complex systems.