Hooked on Science: Experiment eases worry about swinging bowling ball hazards

Most of us would never purposely stand in front of a swinging bowling ball. But if you trust science, there is no need to worry if you do.

Materials

* Apple

* String

Instructions

STEP 1: Tie the string to the apple.

STEP 2: Attach the string to the ceiling. Make sure the apple does not touch the ground.

STEP 3: With your back against the wall bring the apple to your mouth. Let the apple go and do not move forward or push the apple.

Explanation

As long as you do not move forward and you do not push the apple, you will not be hit by the apple. Why? The law of conservation of energy, which says energy cannot be created or destroyed. The total amount of energy is the same before and after any transformation.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@hookedonscience.com. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.