Spin the Bucket: A Centripetal Force Experiment (continued)
Topics: Middle School, Science, Outdoor
A satellite orbiting earth is a real-life example of the spinning bucket demonstration. The satellite is constantly “falling” around the earth, but since the earth is curved, as long as the satellite is moving fast enough, it does not fall to the earth’s surface; rather, it continually falls around the earth.
When your child let go of the bucket, it should have continued in a straight line away from her. This is an example of Newton’s First Law of Motion at work (an object in motion continues in a straight line unless acted up by an outside force). Ask your child which direction the bucket would have flown if she let go as the bucket was swinging upward. It would continue in a straight upward motion (I don’t recommend doing this, as what goes up, must come down!).
Challenge your child to one last question: If according to Newton’s First Law, the bucket will continue in a straight line, what causes the bucket to fall? Good old gravity.
Who knew that there was so much science involved in swinging a bucket?
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Lori Stewart is a freelancer specializing in the development of science education materials. As a high school science teacher, Lori had several students place first and second in NASA's Student Involvement Program national competition.
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