8A70.78 - Planetary Gravities

Photo Credit - http://esources.etiwanda.k12.ca.us/documents/Third%20Grade/Technology/Intel%20Units/Planets_engebretsen_sarah/images_sounds/
Code Number:
8A70.78
Demo Title:
Planetary Gravities
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Planetary Gravities
Area of Study:
Astronomy
Procedure:

Prepare empty soda cans with the following masses by adding either sand, BB's, or lead shot.

Planet/Body Mass
Mercury

1.46 N

Venus

3.50 N

Earth

3.88 N (or, a full unopened can of soda)

Mars

1.42 N

Jupiter

10.44 N

Saturn

4.62 N

Uranus

3.61 N

Neptune

4.73 N

Pluto

0.77 N

Moon

0.64 N

Sun

108.25 N (this will not fit in a soda can)

After the cans have the right mass and are labeled, you may seal the cans using some expandable foam.

Credit for this demo:  Richard Heckathorn

References:
  • Brian C. Thomas and Matthew Quick, "Getting the Swing of Surface Gravity", TPT, Vol. 50, #4, Apr. 2012, p. 232.
  • Laurent Hodges, "Gravitational Field Strength Inside the Earth", AJP, Vol. 59, #10, Oct. 1991, p. 954.
  • "Gravity", PIRA Local.

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.