8A70.85 - Earthquake Model

Code Number:
8A70.85
Demo Title:
Earthquake Model
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Plate Tectonics
Area of Study:
Chemistry and Physics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Earthquake Model Blocks and Springs, Hand Driven Reduction Gear Dive, and Gram Weights.
Procedure:

See also 8A70.85 in Chemistry and Physics of Everyday Experience.

Attach springs to the blocks as shown. Also attach the weights to the crossbar block.  These keep the block straight and level on the table when the demo is being pulled.  Slowly pull the model across the table using the gear reduction.  Observe the uneven and jerky motion of the individual blocks even though the crossbar block is moving at a constant velocity across the table.

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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.