Free falling in zero gravity

Zero gravity -- it's what you feel during a free-fall. In the next KFVS12 Heartland Science Lab science reporter Jason Lindsey will have you "falling" for science.

Ingredients

• Scissors
• Ruler
• 1 sheet of construction paper
• Transparent tape
• String
• A two-liter soda bottle

Instructions

Step 1: Cut a 2-by-8-inch strip from the sheet of construction paper, fold the paper in half four times and tape the edges together.

Step 2: Tie one end of the string around the center of the paper, and insert the folded paper into the bottle while holding the free end of the string.

Step 3: Pull the string up until the bottle is about 2 inches above the table and release the string.

Explanation

This experiment demonstrates weightlessness. Weightlessness is not the result of gravity itself being eliminated. Weightlessness occurs when something is falling freely. In this case, the string and piece of paper did not move until after the bottle landed on the table. After the bottle landed, the string finally began to fall, demonstrating weightlessness.

KFVS12 and the Southeast Missourian are teaming up for science. Every Tuesday, you'll find an experiment from the KFVS12 Heartland Science Lab in the Class of 2morrow section of the Southeast Missourian. Grab the ingredients and join KFVS12 science reporter Jason Lindsey live on KFVS12 at 5 p.m. every Wednesday for a blast of science fun that might get you and your family hooked on science. More science experiences can be found at www.kfvs12.com and www.semissourian.com.