Dynamics Activity
Clay and Coat Hanger Demo

BHS -> Staff -> Mr. Stanbrough -> Physics -> Mechanics -> Newton's Laws -> Newton's First Law -> this page

Purpose:

To demonstrate the "objects at rest" part of Newton's First Law

Equipment:

coat hanger and 2 lumps of clay (large)

Description:

1.  Bend the coat hanger into an "M" shape, and put a lump of clay on the 2 outside arms.
2. The middle of the "M" rests on your head.
3. Show that you can put the other lump toward the front by turning your head - the lumps remain at rest.

Explanation:

source: Hewitt, Conceptual Physics Teaching Guide, p. 20