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Mechanics Demonstrations

Outreach students Paul, Will, and Gabe showing a Blacksburg High School student how a bicycle wheel transfers angular momentum when turned

Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the motion of , and interactions between, material objects. These demonstrations are more concrete, and very visible. They are the most intuitive demonstrations, but some of them might still surprise you. 

Mechanics demos in particular take up more floor space to present. Many of the demos are awkward or heavy in a way that can make it difficult for younger students to use. Be sure to plan accordingly when preparing to do these demos.

 

Primary Demos

These demos are the ones that are presented by default. These demos can easily fill 15 to 20 minutes and are very hands on.

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Extra Demos

These demos are more difficult to set up or present and are only available on special request. Since they are not part of the normal set of demos, the outreach team needs extra notice to prepare for their use.

  • Monkey and Hunter
  • Egg and Sheet
  • Digital Motion Detector
  • Feather and Coin
  • Newton's Cradle

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On Campus Only Demos

These demos can generally only be performed on the VT campus. Since they are not part of the normal set of demos, the outreach team needs extra notice to prepare for their use.

  • Nose Basher
  • Rocket Cart

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