Code Number: 1C30.57

Demo Title: Balance A Stick - Reaction Time

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Balancing and Reaction Time

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment:

Meter Stick, Pencil, Movable Masses, Object that is weighted on one end.

Procedure:

You will find a meter stick or other long uniform object easy to balance vertically on your palm. A shorter stick such as a pencil can not be balanced vertically for any length of time.

References:

Leonid Minkin, Anthony C. Zable, "From Balancing a Stick to Tightrope Walking: How Added Mass Influences the Act of Balancing", TPT, Vol. 60, #7, Oct. 2022, p. 549.
Robert H. Romer, "Balancing Sticks and Reaction Times Revisited", TPT, Vol. 43, #2, Feb. 2005, p. 68.
H.T. Hudson, "Reaction Time as Measured by Balancing a Stick", TPT, Vol. 42, #8, Nov. 2004, p. 506.

1C30.57 - Balance a Stick - Reaction Time

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

1C30.57 - Balance A Stick - Reaction Time

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