soda can balancing on beveled lower edge

Code Number: 1J20.65

Demo Title: Balancing Soda Can

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Center of Mass

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment:

Soda can with beveled ring, water.

Procedure:

Take a soda can with no dents and add approximately 165 ml of water. You should be able to balance the can on the beveled lower edge with this amount. Add or subtract water as necessary for cans from different manufacturers.

References:

Andrew Davis Cahoon, "Water Bottle Stability", TPT, Vol. 61, #9, Dec. 2023, p. 785.
Said Shakeerin, "Balanced Can", TPT, Vol. 51, #9, Dec. 2013, p. 566.
Richard Morandi, "With A Grain Of Salt", TPT, Vol. 17, # 3, Mar. 1979, p. 152.
Vincent Buckwash, "Ways to Demonstrate Center of Gravity", TPT, Vol. 14, # 1, Jan. 1976, p. 39.
M- 472, "Center of Mass, Soda Can Balance", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook

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Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

1J20.65 - Balancing Soda Can

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