1R20.70 - Prince Rupert's Drops

Try shattering the Prince Rupert's drops with the hammer, they will remain intact until you break the tip off of the end and then they will shatter.
Code Number:
1R20.70
Demo Title:
Prince Rupert's Drops
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Stress & Tension
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Hammer, Prince Rupert's Drops.
Procedure:

See also 6H35.50 in Optics.

Try shattering the Prince Rupert's drops with the hammer, they will remain intact until you break the tip off of the end and then they will shatter.

References:
  • Clifton Albergotti, "Prince Rupert's Drops in Literature", TPT, Vol. 27, # 7, Oct. 1989, p. 530.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr, "Prince Ruperts Drops (Photo)", AJP, Vol. 79, # 7, July 2011, p. 776.
  • George M. Hopkins, "Molecular Actions", Experimental Science, p. 57.
  • R. W. Pohl, Physical Principles of Mechanics and Acoustics, p. 12.
  • Theodore Gray, "Shattering the Strongest Glass", Popular Science, July 2008, p. 76.
  • H- 26,  Richard Manliffe Sutton,  Demonstration Experiments in Physics.

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.