Activity #3: Slinky and Centrifugal Force

Slinkys also can demonstrate centrifugal force. Here’s how. Hold a Slinky by several coils at one end; then circle it around your head (like swinging a lariat), gradually increasing the speed. The position of the Slinky shows the resultant force formed by two simultaneous forces. The downward and vertical force is the force of gravity. The outward and horizontal force is the centrifugal force. (Another example of centrifugal force is clothes spinning in a washing machine.)

Activity No. 3 adapted from "Slinky History." Messiah. Online. America Online. 12 May 1997.



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Last Updated: 02/16/03
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