Jennifer Claps
Scientific Concepts: The following experiments will illustrate one of Newton's Laws of Motion involving inertia. All of the objects will remain at rest unless affected by an outside force.
Materials:
Directions:
1. The first experiment is called a different eggs-periment and it involves 2 eggs. Give each egg a face and name them. Take the first egg (the raw one) and attempt to spin it. Take the second egg (the hard-boiled egg) and spin it. Watch what happens.
2. The second experiment is called the Lazy Coin and it involves a coin, an index card, and a glass. Place the index card over the top of the glass like a bridge. Place a coin in the middle of the card. Flick the card forward with your finger. The coin should fall down directly into the glass. This experiment can also vary. You can place the coin at the edge of the card or use a marble instead of a coin. Just remember when you use a marble, place a sponge or a towel at the bottom of the glass to prevent it from breaking.
3. The third experiment is called the Tablecloth Trick and it involves a mug filled with water and a sheet of paper. Stand a mug filled with water on a sheet of paper on a table. (This trick will only work if the outside of the mug is completely dry) Pull the paper away with a sharp jerk and the mug should stay where it is.
Introduction: Has anyone ever heard of Isaac Newton? A few of the experiments we are going to do come from one of Newton's law of Motion. This law concerns inertia.
Explanation: Inertia is the key! Isaac Newton and his laws of motion explain inertia. Inertia is the tendency of matter to remain at rest, or continue in a fixed direction unless affected by an outside force. This directly applies to us with cars and seat belts. When a car is hit by another car, would the passengers just remain in their seats or would they move? Well, the answer is that they would move because of the outside force. This is why seat belts were invented.
Safety: Not hazardous
Disposal: None
Reference: Fun With Science, Brenda Walpole.