The phenomenon of the ruler trick

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Homework Statement
hey, I'm wondering about the phenomenon of the experiment with a ruler and a piece of paper. Description of the experiment: we place a ruler on the edge of the table (one end of the ruler protrudes beyond the table) and then we place a piece of paper on it. When we throw the ball at the protruding end of the ruler, the ruler will not fall (it will be held by the paper). If we know the length of the ruler (protruding and not protruding), the mass of the ball and the surface of the paper, how can we calculate from what height the ball should be thrown in order for the ruler to fall or break?
Relevant Equations
The equations that will be needed here are certainly pressure, forces, and possibly energy, but I don't know where to start
WI know that the phenomenon occurs due to the decrease in pressure under the sheet of paper.There is therefore greater pressure above the sheet of paper, pressing down on the sheet of paper, which prevents the ruler from tearing off. However, I lack patterns and specifics
 
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I'd assume that the force holding paper from moving up is momentarily about 1 atm times the area of the sheet of paper.
 
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M I think it may be so, but I don't know how it will help me calculate the height from which I need to throw the ball
 
  • #4
Anonim2831 said:
... possibly energy...
Possibly momentum?
 
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Anonim2831 said:
Homework Statement: hey, I'm wondering about the phenomenon of the experiment with a ruler and a piece of paper. Description of the experiment: we place a ruler on the edge of the table (one end of the ruler protrudes beyond the table) and then we place a piece of paper on it. When we throw the ball at the protruding end of the ruler, the ruler will not fall (it will be held by the paper). If we know the length of the ruler (protruding and not protruding), the mass of the ball and the surface of the paper, how can we calculate from what height the ball should be thrown in order for the ruler to fall or break?
Relevant Equations: The equations that will be needed here are certainly pressure, forces, and possibly energy, but I don't know where to start

WI know that the phenomenon occurs due to the decrease in pressure under the sheet of paper.There is therefore greater pressure above the sheet of paper, pressing down on the sheet of paper, which prevents the ruler from tearing off. However, I lack patterns and specifics
It seems to me the problem is very ill defined. How about a drawing or details about the system or better yet, the actual problem as described in your book.
 
  • #6
https://www.eecis.udel.edu/~vijay/BLAST/air_pressure/newspaper_ruler.html

newspaper_1.jpg
newspaper_2.jpg
newspaper_3.jpg
 
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I think it is worth observing that there appear to be a _very large_ number of variables at work in this demonstration. Consequently you would have to travel down many rabbit holes to begin, even assuming a somewhat loosey-goosey level of precision. One or even several equations will unlikely be sufficient.
 
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First consider what the paper is doing. Without the paper, air can easily flow under the ruler, maintaining atmospheric pressure on both sides. The paper inhibits this, but does not stop it completely. This makes an accurate analysis very difficult, so suppose the air is entirely prevented from coming under some area and see how big an area is needed.

The ruler will lift off the table through some small angle ##\theta##. Given air pressure acting uniformly over a rectangular area covering the ruler of given length and width, how much energy is needed?
 

FAQ: The phenomenon of the ruler trick

What is the ruler trick?

The ruler trick is a classic physics demonstration where a ruler is balanced on the edge of a table with a portion of it hanging off. When you strike the overhanging part, the ruler appears to defy expectations by flipping or moving in a counterintuitive manner. This phenomenon showcases principles of rotational motion and angular momentum.

Why does the ruler flip when struck?

The ruler flips when struck due to the distribution of forces and the pivot point. When you hit the overhanging part, a torque is generated around the pivot point (the edge of the table). This torque causes the ruler to rotate, and depending on the force and angle of the strike, it can result in a flipping motion.

What principles of physics are demonstrated by the ruler trick?

The ruler trick demonstrates several key principles of physics, including torque, rotational motion, angular momentum, and the moment of inertia. These principles explain how forces cause rotational movement and how the mass distribution of the ruler affects its response to being struck.

How can you perform the ruler trick successfully?

To perform the ruler trick successfully, place a ruler on the edge of a table with a portion hanging off. Use a quick, sharp strike to hit the overhanging part of the ruler. The strike should be perpendicular to the length of the ruler and near the end of the overhanging section. Adjust the amount of the ruler hanging off and the force of the strike to achieve the desired flipping motion.

What factors affect the outcome of the ruler trick?

Several factors can affect the outcome of the ruler trick, including the length of the overhanging portion, the mass distribution of the ruler, the force and angle of the strike, and the friction between the ruler and the table. Experimenting with these variables can help you understand how each factor influences the ruler's motion.

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