Coat hanger bent in to a "square" form, coin

 

Code Number:1D50.45

Demo Title: Central Forces -  Penny & Coat Hanger

Condition: Fair

Principle: Forces Due To Circular Motion

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: Coat hanger bent into a "square" form, dime.

Procedure:

Balance the dime on the end of the hook on the hanger.  Gently, rotate the hanger until you can go full circle.  Note that the dime is held onto the end of the hook by the rotational force and the asymmetric air stream applied. 

References:

  • Martin Gardner, "Coat Hanger", TPT, Vol. 43, # 1, Jan. 2005, p. 4.
  • Richard A.D. Hewko,  "The Racing Car Turn",  TPT, Vol. 26, # 7, p. 436, October 1988.
  • Frank Butcher,  "Circular Motion Studies with a Toy Airplane",  TPT, Vol. 25, # 9, p. 572, December 1987.
  • Phyllis Salmons, "The Penny and the Coathanger", TPT, Vol. 15, # 1, Jan. 1977, p. 46.
  • John Dixon, "A Penny For Your Thoughts", TPT, Vol. 4, # 1, Jan. 1966, p. 38.
  • George W. Ficken, Jr., "Putting a Penny 'Into Orbit'", AJP, Vol. 40, #5, May 1972, p. 776.
  • M- 362:  "Water in Circle-Coin on Hanger",  DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.