Mechanics

Take the block with four different sides to it and attach a spring scale to the string. Put the block on the table and pull with a constant velocity. Note the difference between static and kinetic friction. The different surfaces will have a different reading. However the surface with ½ the area exposed will have the same reading as the surface with the full area exposed.

Location:     Friction block (2) –       ME2C-07-3
                   Spring scale -                ME2C-07-3
                   Incline plane -                ME4C-07-3

Prep time:   none

Take a coffee filter and drop it. It will fall at a constant velocity as it reaches its terminal velocity quickly. Crumple the filter into a ball and observe that it doesn’t reach its terminal velocity as quickly. Drop both simultaneously to demonstrate effects of air resistance. You may also use Styrofoam peanuts.

Location:      Coffee filters -             ME2F-08-2
                    Styrofoam peanuts -    ME2F-08-2

Prep Time:   none

Lie down on a bed o nails. The nails are one inch apart. After impressing the class by lying on the bed o nails. Have a student place a piece of wood on your chest and a cinder block on top of that while you are still lying on the bed o nails. Have the student smash the cinder block with a sledgehammer. If that doesn’t impress the class, take the second smaller bed o nails and lay it on your chest making a professor sandwich. Take a cinder block and place it on top of the second bed o nails and have a student smash it with a sledgehammer.

Location:  Large bed o nails –  AS0-15-6
                  Small bed o nails –  AS0-01-6
                  Sledgehammer –     AS0-15-6
                  Wood –                  AS0-15-6
                  Cinder block –       AS0-15-6
                  Safety shield –        TH2C-29-#

Prep Time:  10 minutes

(Quicktime Video)

Use the pulley system and weight to show how work is done by the pulley. Notice that it is easier to lift the weight, however you must pull much more rope in comparison to the distance the weight moves. The amount of work is the same but the force required is significantly decreased

Location:        Pulley System- C2-21-2

Prep Time:      none, unless you tangle the cord

Take a quarter, nickel, or penny and balance it on the tip of the curved end of the hanger. Place you finger in the corner of the hanger and gently swing the coin back and forth. Now start the coin in full motion swinging it in a vertical circle. The coin will stay on! Do NOT bend the hanger.

Location:    Hanger-  ME1C-73-2
                  Coin-       Provide your own

Prep Time:  Practice