Pail of Water
Equipment: A pail of water.
What it does: The pail is swung in a full circle and the water does not fall out when the pail is upside down.
Concepts Demonstrated: Forces in circular motion.
Classroom assembly:
- Fill the pail about 1/3 full with water.
- Swing the pail vertically, starting with a low amplitude and working up to large amplitudes.
- Continue to increase the amplitude of the swing until the pail swings in a full circle.
Optional:
- You may use packing chips instead of water to show that the chips fall out if the pail is stopped when upside down.
Cautions: Practice this demo in advance. Confidence and a smooth motion are requried.
Setup Time: Short.
Difficulty: Straightforward after practice.
Visibility: High. This demonstration is appropriate for large lecture halls.
Related demonstrations:
References: PIRA 1D50.40
Original Construction: Purchased.
Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.
Prepared by Laura Schmidt, May 2007