Bowling Ball of Faith
| Physics: | Pendulum Motion, Laws of Motion |
| Grade Range: | Middle School, High School |
| Format: | Stage |
THIS DEMONSTRATION IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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
- Bowling Ball with Ceiling Hook
- Wire or strong twine/string
- A Place to Hang it
Safety Precautions
Please read the Physical Demonstration section of the Demonstration Safety page before performing this demonstration.
This demonstration requires: Safety Glasses
Demonstration
- Loop the wire on a bar or hook int he ceiling of the presentation space. Give it enough slack so that, when you hang the ball from it, the ball will be about 4 feet off the ground.
- Explain to the audience that the ball is currently hanging like a pendulum, and briefly talk about pendulum motion.
- Grab the ball and pull it back, walking backwards until you can have the ball level with your face. Hold it up against your face, and ask the audience if they think it might hit you when you let go and let it swing.
- Release the ball. On the return swing, it will get close to your face, but won't hit you!
- Note: When you release the ball, make sure that you don't lean forward. Otherwise, you might end up leaning into a face tap with the bowling ball!
Why This Works
Explanation of the science behind the demonstration
Additional Information
- Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections
- This demonstration is a part of the (insert Stage Show here)