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Center Of Mass - Hinged Stick Paradox

Purpose

To illustrate the center of mass in a surprising way.

Equipment

Hinged stick with clamp to attach to table, hammer, as photographed.

Suggestions

Let the students try it for a while before helping them to determine a solution.

Images

b1-12

Description

Q: How can you hang the hammer from the loop on the bottom of the hinged board so that the board will stick straight out horizontally? A: Insert the handle into the loop so that the head of the hammer is pointing back toward the hinge.

References

(PIRA unavailable.)