======The Tablecloth Trick======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Newton’s First Law Tablecloth Demonstration, Inertia Tablecloth Pull
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Prepare an old tablecloth by cutting off the seam or hem so it will slide smoothly.
  - Lay the tablecloth flat on a table.
  - Place a plate and a few cups of water on top of the cloth. (Start with plastic dishes before trying glass.)
  - Stand back, grip the tablecloth near the edge, and pull straight down and fast.
  - Observe how the dishes remain in place while the tablecloth slides out.



====Links==== 
Tablecloth Demonstration - The Physics Classroom: 
{{youtube>JqZOUgACPF0?}}\\

Demonstrating inertia with a table cloth  Science Minute:
{{youtube>TQxcjl2_FJA?}}\\

📄 The Tablecloth Trick - She Loves Science: [[https://shelovesscience.com/the-tablecloth-trick/]]\\

📄 Tablecloth Whip-off Trick - Steve Spangler: [[https://stevespangler.com/experiments/tablecloth-science-trick/]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use different types of tablecloths (thick, thin, slippery) to compare effects.
  * Increase the weight of the objects on top (adding books, heavier cups).
  * Try pulling the cloth slowly vs. quickly to observe differences in friction and inertia.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Start with plastic dishes and cups of water to prevent breakage and spills.
  * If using glassware, ensure adult supervision and keep towels ready for cleanup.
  * Perform on a stable, flat table to reduce accidents.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do the cups and plates stay in place when the tablecloth is pulled quickly?
  * What happens if you pull the tablecloth slowly instead of fast?
  * How does friction play a role in this demonstration?
  * How is this similar to the Egg Drop Inertia Challenge?