Fun Science Idea

Spin with a twist--Find a piece of plastic pipe whose length is 3 times its diameter. 10 percent longer or shorter is okay. 3/4 inch diameter works well. Something like a section of plastic barrel from a disposable pen can be used if the section is straight with uniform diameter. In case the diameter is small, the length should be 6 or 8 times the diameter. Preferably the pipe should be white or very light in color so lettering on it will show well. Use a felt tip marker to draw an X near one end of the pipe. Make an O near the other end. The letters should be large and very easily seen. With dark pipe, make the letters on paper and tape the paper to the pipe.

Place the pipe on a smooth, flat surface. Push down on the pipe near the end with the X. At the same time bring your hand toward yourself. Do this quickly and forcefully so the pipe pops out from under your finger, spinning end for end and also rotating rapidly around its length. Look down on the moving pipe and you will notice something strange. Now spin the pipe in the same manner except push on the end with the O. You will probably be surprised again at what you see.

One of the links below takes you to a page which descibes what will happen. But we suggest you try the experiment yourself because it might be more of a kick that way.

| What will happen|
| Hint for why it happens|
| Why it happens|

Back to Fun science experiments menu
Back to fun things menu
SLICKDITTY Home