Break a ruler

PIRA: 
2B30.51
Area: 
2 Fluid Mechanics
Topic: 
2B Statics of Fluids
Concept: 
Atmospheric Pressure

Place a thin wooden ruler about a third of the way over the edge of the table.  Hit the ruler, and it will fall, unbroken, to the floor.  Add a sheet of newspaper over the section of the ruler on the table, and then the atmospheric pressure keeps the ruler in place, allowing you to break it when you hit it hard!  

Demo Contact

Scott Thomas
Demonstration Manager
828-262-2435
thomassa@appstate.edu