net torque

related to the last question I asked about net torque:

the last question was finding the net torque created by two sets of washers on each side of the meter stick (5 washers on both sides–50cm pulley cord at 45cm that suspended meter stick, 5 washers at 25cm and 5 washers at 65 cm.)

next questions:

1. Replace the five washers in last step with three washers. Record the distance from the fulcrum to the washers.

What is the net torque created by these two sets of washers?

2. Repeat the experiment with seven washers on the left of the fulcrum (45cm mark) at the 25 cm mark and three washers to the right of the fulcrum (45cm mark) at the 75 cm mark.

Be sure to record the distance from the fulcrum to the washers.

What is the net torque created by these two sets of washers?

3. Repeat the experiment with six washers on the left at the 30 cm mark. Record the location on the right-hand side where four washers balance the six washers.

What is the net torque created by these two sets of washers?

4. Construct a table of your data. Put negative signs on distances that create clockwise torques and positive signs on distances that create counterclockwise torques.

5. Use the data in your table to calculate the torques and formulate a rule about the torques.

6. Devise a procedure to find the weight of an unknown mass. Describe what you did and your results.

********ALSO, IN ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS–INCLUDING ORIGINAL QUESTION–ARE YOU MOVING THE WASHERS SO THAT THE METER STICK IS BALANCED? (talking about when it says to record distance from fulcrum to washers)

Thank you. I find this a bit confusing (because of the net torque).