Hinge on Roller Skates, rods, string, paperclip chain, mass set.
Hinge on Roller Skates, rods, string, paperclip chain, mass set.

 

Code Number: 1J30.30

Demo Title: Break a Wire With a Hinge

Condition: Good

Principle: Vector Addition of Forces

Area of Study: Mechanics 

Equipment: 

Hinge on Roller Skates, rope, string, or paperclip chain, mass set.

Procedure:

Set the apparatus up so that it has a small angle.  You should be able to hang several kilograms of mass from the apparatus in this position.  Then adjust the chain so that the apparatus has a larger angle and note that the chain will now break when the same amount of mass is hung from the apparatus.

References:

  • Julius Sumner Miller, "Physics Fun and Demonstrations", Central Scientific Company.
  • D. Colson, C. J. Lapp, J. A. Eldridge, "Experiment IV", 1936 Univ. of Iowa Physics Laboratory Manual, p. 11.
1J30.30 - Break a Wire with a Hinge