Singing Paperclip Trick

What you need

• A paperclip
• Water
• Two identical glasses
• Marvin bets Milo that he can make the paperclip move without touching it

Instructions

1. Put equal amounts of water in both glasses and stand them next to each other but not touching
2. Straighten out the paperclip into a straight wire, then bend it slightly (it should be shaped more-or-less like a boomerang), Balance it on the rim of one of the glasses
3. With a wet finger, rub around the rim of the other glass until it "sings"
4. The paperclip moves!

Results and Explanation

Rubbing the glass makes it vibrate at its natural frequency. Because the other glass is identical it has the same natural frequency and the sound waves from the other glass make it vibrate as well - so the paperclip moves.

These experiments have not been specifically safety tested for home use but we believe them to be safe if the instructions are followed. Adult supervision or direction is recommended as appropriate. All experiments are carried out at your own risk.