Penny and Feather Demonstration

 

This demonstration is about the force of gravity and air resistance.

Penny and Feather

Used in Lab:

This demonstration is NOT used in any lab.

Equipment:

  • Penny and Feather                                                  Location: Demo Rm Shelf R
  • Vacuum                                                                    Location: Demo Rm Shelf O   
  • Hose                                                                        Location: Demo Rm Shelf W                               

Setup Instructions:

  • Connect the vacuum to the opening of the Penny and Feather tube.
  • Turn on the vacuum.

Apparatus Notes:

The vacuum in the lecture hall podiums is not strong enough to work this demo, and neither is the lightweight vacuum. You need either the medium one shown in the photo or the very heavy one on wheels.
There is also a nickle and Styrofoam tube on the same shelf as Penny and Feather, but it currently has an air leak - don't use it.
If the subject comes up in class with no warning, you can do the same demo on the fly with any object and a piece of paper - drop both objects, then crumple the paper and drop them again. You didn't change the mass of the paper, you only changed its shape.


Safety Information: None.
JHA