Breaking Board Paradox

This simple, effective demonstration lets students discover for themselves the paradoxes of Newton’s first and second laws.

A thin slab of white pine is set on a table so that a few inches hang over the edge. The board is then covered with a large sheet of paper that is subject to over 6000 kg of atmosphere because of its large surface area. When the overhanging portion of the board is hit sharply with the fist, it breaks easily. The other end of the board remains stationary, apparently held only by the sheet of paper. The kit contains instructions and materials for 10 demonstrations.