Dynamics Activity
Whirling Bucket Demo


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Purpose:

Demonstrate the "objects in motion" part of Newton's First Law

Equipment:

Bucket with handle and water

Description:

Show that the water doesn't fall out of the bucket when the bucket is whirled in a vertical circle.

Explanation:

Why doesn't the water fall out when the bucket is upside down? The water is moving horizontally at the top of the circle, so it "wants to" continue to move horizontally (Newton's First Law) - it has no tendency to fall in this situation!

Not "centrifugal force"!


last update January 6, 1997 by JL Stanbrough (Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome at jerry_stanbrough@bhs.batesville.k12.in.us)