1J20.31 - Hinged Stick Paradox

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Code Number:
1J20.31
Demo Title:
Hinged Stick Paradox
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Center of Mass
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Hinged Board and Hammer.
Procedure:

Place the hammer handle into the hook with the hammer head facing back towards the clamped end of the board.

References:
  • John Henry Pepper, Henry George Hine, The Boy's Playbook of Science, p. 43.
  • Charles Vivian, "Balancing the Impossible", Science Experiments & Amusements For Children, p. 24.
  • Martin Gardner, "93, A Peculiar Balance", Smart Science Tricks, p. 137.
  • "Experiment with Two-Foot Rule and Hammer", The Boy Scientist, p. 224.

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.