Answer #106

The answer is (c): the fork and spoon will never fall, as can be seen in an mpeg video by clicking your mouse on the photograph below.

When the flame burns the toothpick down to the edge of the glass, the glass will absorb so much heat that the flame will be extinguished, as seen in the video. The loss of weight of the toothpick as it burns is so small that it does not effect the balance enough to cause the system to fall.


Archive 6

Question of the Week

Outreach Index Page

Lecture-Demonstration Home Page

For questions and comments regarding the Question of the Week contact
Dr. Richard E. Berg by e-mail or using phone number or regular mail address
given on the Lecture-Demonstration Home Page.