TOPIC:

ID Code: C3-03
Purpose: Dramatically demonstrate inertia
Description: Two identical masses are hung in series from a fixed point alternating with three identical strings. When you pull downward on the third (bottom) string, which of the strings will break: the top, the middle, or the bottom string? It depends on how you pull. If you pull very quickly, the bottom string will break, due to the inertia of the bottom mass. If you pull slowly, the top string will break, because the weights increase the tension in the top string.
Availability: Available

See the Physics Question of the Week for 2/23/2015 for an example of how this demonstration can be used in class interaction and discussion: lecdem.physics.umd.edu/question-of-the-week-archive.html

A relevant article: umaryland.on.worldcat.org/oclc/4660185840?databaseList=638
And a followup from the author: www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/mheald1/whchstrg.html