Genie in the Bottle Rope Trick

A hidden ball inside a bottle creates friction against a rope, making it appear that the rope is magically suspended in the bottle. This trick demonstrates how frictional forces resist motion between surfaces.

1. Hide a small ball in your hand using palming.
2. Invite a friend to inspect a soda bottle while you secretly place the ball inside your own bottle.
3. Insert a rope halfway into both bottles.
4. Turn the bottles upside down and tug lightly on the ropes. In your bottle, the rope will hold in place due to the hidden ball creating friction, while your friend’s rope will fall out.
5. Lift your bottle by the rope to show it dangling “magically.”
6. Release the ball by pushing the rope downward, then secretly palm it back into your hand when you empty the bottle.

Genie In A Bottle Magic Trick - Presto Paul TV:

📄 Root Beer Genie Experiment - Steve Spangler Science: https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/102wsks75tzofz3t1/?srsltid=AfmBOor527pmFVgOGYHDBRo4T-ePavkMTfpe3Mf7rnr3wkzv0Acu9KNx

• Experiment with different ball materials (rubber, cork, wooden bead) to test friction.
• Try different rope types (cotton, nylon, braided cord) to see which grips best.
• Test the maximum weight the suspended bottle can hold before the rope slips.

• Perform the experiment over a soft surface like carpet to prevent glass bottles from breaking.
• Use adult supervision when handling glass.

• Why does the rope stay in place only when the ball is inside the bottle? (The ball presses the rope against the glass, creating friction that resists slipping.)
• What microscopic forces allow friction to occur between rope fibers, the ball, and the glass? (Irregularities in the surfaces interlock and resist sliding.)
• Which materials create the strongest friction and why? (Materials with rougher textures or higher grip provide greater resistance.)