Take the Money

What you need

• A narrow-necked glass bottle
• An old bank note
• A table

Instructions

1. Balance the bottle upside down on the bank note.
2. Try whisking the note away without tipping the bottle over. What happens?
3. Gradually roll the note very tightly towards the bottle. Start gently nudging the bottle with the note as you reach it. Keep rolling the note.

Results and Explanation

You can remove the note safely. Friction between the bottle and note makes the note pull the bottle with it, but you counteract this by supplying a small force in the opposite direction through nudging it a little as you roll.

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.