Anchoring Phenomenon | Activities/Labs| Grants | Supporting Organizations

F=ma activity - Box cars on straw tracks. 

An object at rest, will stay at rest... 

Materials: coins, playing cards

For this next experiment, have your students remain in their groups, and stack several of the same type of coins on the middle of a desk. Now have them take a playing card and with a snap of the wrist, knock away the bottom coin. When done correctly, the bottom coin will be knocked clear of the remaining stack. Repeat the process until only one coin remains. Repeat the experiment with different types of coins.

Discussion Questions

• How does Newton's first law apply to the coins remaining in place?

• How do different coins react to the force of the playing card?

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