Janice VanCleave - Janice Vancleaves Crazy, Kooky, and Quirky Physics Experiments

This edition published in 2019 by

The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

29 East 21st Street

New York, NY 10010

Introduction and additional end matter copyright 2019 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: VanCleave, Janice Pratt, author.

Title: Janice Vancleave's crazy, kooky, and quirky physics experiments / Janice VanCleave.

Description: New York : Rosen Central, 2019 | Series: Janice Vancleave's crazy, kooky, and quirky science experiments | Includes index. | Audience: 58.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017059687| ISBN 9781508180944 (library bound) | ISBN 9781508181040 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: PhysicsExperimentsJuvenile literature.

Classification: LCC QC25 .V224 2019 | DDC 530.078dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017059687

Manufactured in the United States of America

Experiments first published in Janice VanCleaves 203 Icy, Freezing, Frosty, Cool, and Wild Experiments by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. copyright 1999 Janice VanCleave, and Janice VanCleaves 204 Sticky, Gloppy, Wacky, and Wonderful Experiments by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. copyright 2002 Janice VanCleave

Physics is the study of energy, matter, and forces and their relationship with each other. Physicists study everything from tiny atomic particles to the whole universe! Albert Einstein (18791955) is perhaps the most famous physicist, and many choose to follow in his footsteps.

The people who decide to work in the field of physics have a variety of career choices. Some engineers investigate aircraft accidents and others work with nuclear power. Some physicists design high-speed trains, roller coasters, or lasers for surgery. All of these people have something in common: they are constantly asking questions to learn even more about physics.

This book is a collection of science experiments about physics. What type of image is formed on a concave mirror? How does the insulating power of foam compare with paper? Can you make static electricity? You will find the answers to these and many other questions by doing the experiments in this book.

You will be rewarded with successful experiments if you read each experiment carefully, follow the steps in order, and do not substitute materials. The following sections are included for all the experiments.

PURPOSE: The basic goals for the experiment.

MATERIALS: A list of supplies you will need. You will experience less frustration and more fun if you gather all the necessary materials for the experiments before you begin. You lose your train of thought when you have to stop and search for supplies.

PROCEDURE: Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the experiment. Follow each step very carefully, never skip steps, and do not add your own. Safety is of the utmost importance, and by reading the experiment before starting, then following the instructions exactly, you can feel confident that no unexpected results will occur. Ask an adult to help you when you are working with anything sharp or hot. If adult supervision is required, it will be noted in the experiment.

RESULTS: An explanation stating exactly what is expected to happen. This is an immediate learning tool. If the expected results are achieved, you will know that you did the experiment correctly. If your results are not the same as described in the experiment, carefully read the instructions and start over from the first step.

WHY? An explanation of why the results were achieved.

Scientists identify a problem or observe an event. Then they seek solutions or explanations through research and experimentation. By doing the experiments in this book, you will learn to follow experimental steps and make observations. You will also learn many scientific principles that have to do with physics.

In the process, the things you see or learn may lead you to new questions. For example, suppose you have completed the experiment that demonstrates the effect of a megaphone on sound. Now you wonder whether the length of the megaphone affects the sound. Thats great! All scientists are curious and ask new questions about what they learn. When you design a new experiment, it is a good idea to follow the scientific method.

Ask a question.

Do some research about your question. What do you already know?

Come up with a hypothesis, or a possible answer to your question.

Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Make sure the experiment is repeatable.

Collect the data and make observations.

Analyze your results.

Reach a conclusion. Did your results support your hypothesis?

Many times the experiment leads to more questions and a new experiment.

Always remember that when devising your own science experiment, have a knowledgeable adult review it with you before trying it out. Ask him or her to supervise it as well.

PURPOSE To demonstrate the effect of centrifugal force.

MATERIALS scissors

string

ruler

4 paper clips

PROCEDURE

Cut a piece of string long enough to loosely tie around your waist. Tie the string around your waist.

Cut 4 more pieces of string, each about 18 inches (45 cm) long. Tie a paper clip to one end of each string.

Tie the free end of the 4 strings to the string around your waist. Space the strings as far apart as possible, but position them so that you can see them.

Standing away from objects and people, turn around quickly. Observe the movement of the strings as you turn.

RESULTS The strings rise up and fly outward from your body.

WHY? The force that causes a spinning object to tend to move outward from the center is called centrifugal force. Since the 4 strings in this experiment are attached to you yet free to move, and you are a spinning object, they move outward from your body because of centrifugal force.

PURPOSE To demonstrate the effect of friction on motion.

MATERIALS pencil

8-by-8-inch (20-by-20 cm) square of poster board

scissors

one-hole paper punch

36-inch (1 m) piece of string

ruler

PROCEDURE

Draw a large turtle on the poster board. Cut it out.

Use the paper punch to make a hole at the top of the turtles head.

Thread both ends of the string through the hole so that there is a loop in the string.

With the turtle on the floor, stand a chair leg in the loop.

Keeping the loop taut, move the turtle until the ends of the string extend about 6 inches (15 cm) from the hole.

Holding the ends of the string at a slight angle to the hole, pull one end at a time and observe the motion of the turtle.