1J10.10 - Map of a State

Hang the Map of the State and find the center of gravity or throw it up into the air and observe it rotating about the center of mass.
LED's may be inserted into the map to show this more visually.  Alternatively, you may also use stick on dots or rings to help observe the center of rotation.
Code Number:
1J10.10
Demo Title:
Map of a State
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Center of Mass
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
A Map of a State glued onto a Styrofoam backing.
Procedure:

Hang the Map of the State and find the center of gravity or throw it up into the air and observe it rotating about the center of mass.  LED's may be inserted into the map to show this more visually.  Alternatively, you may also use stick on dots or rings to help observe the center of rotation.

References:
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., "Where is the Center of Mass of Florida?", TPT, Vol. 45, # 6, Sept. 2007, p. 359.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., "Center of Mass Demonstrations Using Ceiling Tile", TPT, Vol. 30, # 4, April 1992, p. 240.
  • Marvin Ohrimer, "Center of Mass of a Rotating Object", TPT, Vol. 18, # 3, March 1980, p. 231.
  • R. D. Edge, "Center of Mass", A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Mechanics, p. 103.
  • Marvin Ohriner, "Center of Mass of a Rotating Object", A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Mechanics, p. 100.
  • John L. Roeder, "Activity 1. Designing a Roller Coaster", Teaching About Energy, p. 14.

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.