Pail of Water, 1D50.40

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA9:(A9)]

• Shelf: #2

attachment:BucketWater02-400.jpg

Abstract:

A pail of water is whirled around in a vertical circle without the water spilling out, illustrating Newton's first and second laws.

Important Setup Notes:

• Make sure the handle on the bucket is in good condition so as to not detach during spinning.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Partially fill the bucket with water.
2. Start with the bucket about an eight of a turn in the direction opposite to the rotation.
3. Swing the bucket in a vertically-oriented circle with enough speed so that all the water remains in the bucket.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• Make sure not to swing the bucket in the direction of the audience in case the handle would detach from the bucket.
• Demonstration may require practice.
• If water does spill, clean it up promptly to avoid any slips/falls.

Discussion: According to Newton's first law, objects in motion tend to continue moving at constant velocity in a straight line. The water is always moving tangentially to the buckets trajectory.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• Sprott, Julien Clinton. Physics Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers of Physics. The University of Wisconsin Press (2006).

[:Instructional:Home]