1F20.60 - Tighten a Hammer Head

This demo is used to show that you don't tighten a hammer head by hitting it onto the handle, but rather by placing the head on the handle and then slamming the other end of the handle onto the table.  Doing this with the PVC and movable hammer head will show that the hammer head travels downward onto the handle.  If you try to pound the hammer head onto the PVC handle, the hammer head will actually move off the handle.
Code Number:
1F20.60
Demo Title:
Tighten a Hammer Head
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Inertia of Mass
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Hammer, PVC and movable hammer head.
Procedure:

This demo is used to show that you don't tighten a hammer head by hitting it onto the handle, but rather by placing the head on the handle and then slamming the other end of the handle onto the table.  Doing this with the PVC and movable hammer head will show that the hammer head travels downward onto the handle.  If you try to pound the hammer head onto the PVC handle, the hammer head will actually move off the handle.

References:
  • Martin Gardner, "Dividing An Apple", Entertaining Science Experiments with Everyday Objects, p. 127.
  • Tom Senior, "The Loose Hammer-Head Extended", PIRA News, Vol.20, # 1, p. 10.


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