Additional Info

• ID Code: B1-06
• Purpose: Demonstrate a center-of-mass paradox
• Description: When a double cone is placed on the narrow end of a V-shaped rail, the cone will roll towards the wider end of the rail when released. The cone appears to be rolling uphill (from the narrow end to the wider end), but in reality the center of mass is moving down. Upon special request, we can also provide a cylindrical rod of the same length as the double cone to roll along the rails to show their actual slope. Challenge students to predict whether the cylindrical rod travel in the same direction as the double cone.

  Note: B1-07 is a smaller, more portable version of this demonstration.

• Availability: Available
• Loc codes: B1