Supernova

This demonstration shows the conservation of momentum involved in supernova explosions. The balls are dropped with the tennis ball on top of the basketball. When they hit the floor, it is like the explosion begins. The top and lightest ball escapes with the highest speed, like the top lightest layer of a collapsing star.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Place the balls on the lab table so they will not roll off.

Balance the tennis ball on top of the basketball in the center. Release the balls and watch them bounce. The tennis ball will go very high while the basketball does not.

If using the kit: choose a clear space without any easily breakable items. Place the smallest ball onto the top of the Exploding Stars stack. Drop the Exploding Stars onto the ground and watch the topmost ball fly off.

Notes:

Be sure to perform in a high ceiling area or outside.

If the tennis ball is not centered it will fly off to the side.

Some practice ahead of time helps with this demo.

Courses Used In:

Coming Soon

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

• Tennis ball

• Basketball

• Exploding Stars kit