J4-13: MATCHSTICK ON NICKLE UNDER GLASS

ID Code: J4-13
Purpose: A simple trick easily solved with the application of electrostatic force and the polar nature of water molecules.
Description: A nickle is balanced on its edge in the center of a piece of paper, and a wooden match is balanced on the nickle. A plastic cup is placed upside down over the nickle and match, and a second nickle is balanced on bottom of the upside-down cup. The question is: how to remove the matchstick without disturbing either of the nickles? The answer lies in the polar nature of the water in the matchstick, which is affected by the presence of a nearby charged rod.
Availability: Available