2B30.50 - Rubber Sheets

Code Number:
2B30.50
Demo Title:
Rubber Sheets
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Air Pressure and Surface Area
Area of Study:
Heat & Fluids
Equipment:
Suction Cups with Handles and Suction Rings for Soft Drink Cans.
Procedure:

Place the suction cup on a smooth surface and press down to squeeze out the air from between the two surfaces.  Lifting up to 80 pounds should be possible.

Place the suction ring around the bottom of a soda can.  Place the can and ring onto a smooth surface and press down around the ring to squeeze out the air between the ring and the smooth surface.  Theoretically you should be able to lift about 200 pounds with this.  Radius of the ring is 55.6 mm.

The large mat will adhere to a large flat object when pulled up by the handle but will easily come away when lifted by the edges.

References:
  • Martin Gardner, "Invisible Glue", TPT, Vol. 30, #2, Feb. 1992, p. 85.
  • Charles Vivian, "A Radish Vacuum", Science Experiments & Amusements For Children, p. 32.
  • Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "Grab Bag Grabber", Bet You Can!, p. 65.
  • Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "Watertight", Bet You Can't!, p. 61.
  • Bobby Mercer, "Plumber Strength", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 167.

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.