Cars connected using Plexiglass and Weights

Code Number: 1K20.11

Demo Title: Tug of War

Equipment:

Two Constant Velocity Cars, Plexiglas Connector Platform, Mass Set

Procedure:

Connect the two cars together using the Plexiglass connector. If the two cars are equal masses and have the same motor speed they will pull against each other with equal force. Add a small mass to either of the cars and the increased friction will allow that car to win the tug-of-war.

The two cars can also be connected together facing each other to show the same effect in a pushing mode.

References:

James Lincoln, "Way Too Many Demos with the Constant Velocity Car", TPT, Vol. 60, #8, Nov. 2022, p. 710.
Christopher Chiaverina, "The Versatile Constant Velocity Car", TPT, Vol. 58, #7, Oct. 2020, p. 524.

Video Credit: Jonathan M. Sullivan-Wood.

1K20.11 - Tug of War - Cars

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.