Centripetal Force
Forces and Motion
Swinging Coat Hanger
Enrichment Activity for 5-11 11-14
- Level Elementary
What you need
- A metal coat hanger
- A pound coin
- A file
Instructions
- Carefully pull the coat hanger out of shape until it forms a square. Bend the hook so that it points towards the newly-formed corner and file the end flat
- With the coat hanger on one finger, balance the coin on the hook. This might take some patience!
- Once the coin is in place, start swinging the hanger back and forth. Can you get the hanger to swing in a complete circle without the coin falling off?
Results and Explanation
The circular motion of the hanger means that a centripetal force acts to keep the coin firmly in place while you’re swinging
