Floating Dinnerware: Difference between revisions
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{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right" | |||
| [[Physics]]: | |||
| Center of Gravity | |||
|- | |||
| Grade Range: | |||
| [[Middle School]], [[High School]] | |||
|- | |||
| Format: | |||
| [[Hands-on]] | |||
|} | |||
This space is intended to describe the demonstration that is here. Please use this space to describe in short the demonstration, making sure to mention here if it will require any additional safety equipment or how easily it can be adjusted for varied grade levels. | |||
Use this page as a base layout for editing the wiki. Feel free to copy the layout onto other pages, and to put the content as needed into the page. | |||
== Materials == | |||
* Matches | |||
* Toothpicks | |||
* Forks and Spoons | |||
* Salt Shaker | |||
== Safety Precautions == | |||
Please read the Fire Safety section of the [[Demonstration Safety]] page before performing this demonstration. | |||
== Demonstration == | |||
# Steps for the demonstration. | |||
# Be sure to clarify on steps about any safety equipment needed. | |||
# Make sure steps can be understood by a first-time reader. | |||
== Why This Works == | |||
===Short Explanation=== | |||
This is where you would provide a basic, easy-to-understand explanation of the demonstration. Try not to use too much "Science Jargon", and if needed add any explanation tips, like comparing the demo to something kids are familiar with. | |||
===Full Explanation=== | |||
This is where you will explain the demonstration in full, and provide all additional information that pertains to the demo. Unlike the short explanation above, this should be worded so someone who is familiar with the topics might understand it. If needed, you can provide equations and citations for additional sources of information on the topic. This is also where you will find some answers for trickier questions, such as "How does a plane fly upside-down?" for the Bernoulli's Principle demo. If you want to add a floating box for equations, copy the following: | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: center; margin: auto" | |||
| This will give you | |||
| a floating box. | |||
|- | |||
| The box will be | |||
| centered for you. | |||
|} | |||
== Additional Information == | |||
* Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections | |||
* This demonstration is a part of the (insert [[Stage Show]] here) | |||
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== Age == | == Age == | ||
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The secret to this science stunt lies in your understanding of the concepts of center of gravity and stability. The center of gravity of any object is the point about which you can balance the object as if all the masses were concentrated or gathered at this point. In other words, it's the point at which the object balances from left to right, front and back, and top and bottom. In your balancing fork act, the center of gravity is directly below the spot where the toothpick rests on the other toothpick. If you look closely at your balancing fork-art, you'll notice that the fork handles are positioned below the toothpick. This actually puts the center of gravity directly below the point where the toothpick is balanced (called the pivot point). Here's where it gets really strange: the center of gravity, where the forks balance front and back, left and right, top and bottom, is actually hanging in mid-air. Did you know a circus tightrope walker often uses a long stick for balancing in the same way as the forks are used in this experiment? The real secret is not to give up or get frustrated if the forks fall. Just rebuild it and try again. Once you've mastered the balancing act, you'll be the hit of any dinner party. | The secret to this science stunt lies in your understanding of the concepts of center of gravity and stability. The center of gravity of any object is the point about which you can balance the object as if all the masses were concentrated or gathered at this point. In other words, it's the point at which the object balances from left to right, front and back, and top and bottom. In your balancing fork act, the center of gravity is directly below the spot where the toothpick rests on the other toothpick. If you look closely at your balancing fork-art, you'll notice that the fork handles are positioned below the toothpick. This actually puts the center of gravity directly below the point where the toothpick is balanced (called the pivot point). Here's where it gets really strange: the center of gravity, where the forks balance front and back, left and right, top and bottom, is actually hanging in mid-air. Did you know a circus tightrope walker often uses a long stick for balancing in the same way as the forks are used in this experiment? The real secret is not to give up or get frustrated if the forks fall. Just rebuild it and try again. Once you've mastered the balancing act, you'll be the hit of any dinner party. | ||
== Why it is == | |||
== Real Life Examples == | == Real Life Examples == | ||
Latest revision as of 15:22, 1 June 2016
Age
Middle School, High School
Format
Hands-on
Materials
One Fork and One Spoon Two Toothpicks Salt Shaker Matches
Safety Precautions
Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience. Be careful with open flame
Preparation
1. Start by pushing the fork and spoon together. The next step takes some practice and patience. Place the first toothpick in between the forks middle prong, so that they balance properly on the toothpick. 2. Place another toothpick inside one of the salt shaker holes, so that it is sticking up. 3. The next part is also tricky but you can do it. Carefully rest the toothpick with the fork and spoon on top of the second toothpick. Just slide the toothpick back and forth along the second toothpick until you think you've found the perfect balancing point. Slowly pull your hands away to reveal the amazing balancing fork contraption. 4. Once you've mastered the balancing, you're ready to do a little showing off. Strike a match and burn the end of the toothpick that does not have to spoon and fork. To everyone's bewilderment, the toothpick will burn down to the point where the toothpicks meet, but the forks will not fall. It's the ultimate balancing fork act. Prepare yourself for a standing ovation!
Demonstration
See #Preparation
What to Say
The secret to this science stunt lies in your understanding of the concepts of center of gravity and stability. The center of gravity of any object is the point about which you can balance the object as if all the masses were concentrated or gathered at this point. In other words, it's the point at which the object balances from left to right, front and back, and top and bottom. In your balancing fork act, the center of gravity is directly below the spot where the toothpick rests on the other toothpick. If you look closely at your balancing fork-art, you'll notice that the fork handles are positioned below the toothpick. This actually puts the center of gravity directly below the point where the toothpick is balanced (called the pivot point). Here's where it gets really strange: the center of gravity, where the forks balance front and back, left and right, top and bottom, is actually hanging in mid-air. Did you know a circus tightrope walker often uses a long stick for balancing in the same way as the forks are used in this experiment? The real secret is not to give up or get frustrated if the forks fall. Just rebuild it and try again. Once you've mastered the balancing act, you'll be the hit of any dinner party.