Central Forces Puzzle

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 Code Number :   1D50.69

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

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Condition :   Good 
Principle :   Forces Due To Circular Motion  
Area of Study :  Mechanics   
Equipment :   Central forces puzzle.
Procedure :   The trick of the puzzle is to see if you can get both balls in the small catch basins at the ends of the puzzle.  Trying to tilt the puzzle back and forth will only allow you to catch one of the balls in the basin.  However if you spin the puzzle the balls will be caught in the catch basins due to central forces acting on the balls.

The trick with the coin puzzle is to get the coin out of the holder.  Tilting the puzzle back and forth will not move enough of the ball bearings out of the way to release the coin.  Spinning the puzzle will move the ball bearings outward releasing the coin. 

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   References

M-156:  Richard Manliffe Sutton,   Demonstration Experiments in Physics.

 

R. Subramaniam and Toh Kok Aun, "Three-Dimensional Puzzle Helps Teach Centripetal Force", Physics Education, Vol. 39, (3), May 2004, p. 239.

 

Julius Sumner Miller,  "Anti-Gravity Box,"  Physics Fun and Demonstrations,  p. 52- 53.

 



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille