UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Table Cloth and Dishes

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 21

Table Cloth and Dishes

ID # 21

Description:

Dishes, a candle, and a pitcher are arranged on a table cloth. The lecturer pulls the cloth slowly at first, causing the dishes to move also. Then the cloth is jerked suddenly, leaving the dishes, candle, and pitcher on the table. This is a demonstration of Newton's First Law. Sometimes the lecturer has the class do a count-down or has a volunteer pull the cloth from under the objects.

Picture of Table Cloth and Dishes

Physics Concept:

Mechanics
Newton's First Law and Inertia
Inertia of Rest

The demonstration takes about 2 minutes to perform.