Yeah, it only works if you don't MOVE FORWARD after you let it go.

Stupid beats Science every time.

Sadly we have a HUGE surplus of stupid these days.

you usually do it by putting the back of your head against a wall

Gonna need a little dental surgery...

*eia

Adding video to channels (Eia) - requested by ant.

♫Ms. MacDonald had a ball, E-I-E-I-A.♪

When done properly


On a side note. He has a whole series of physics lectures here for free.
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/video-lectures/

I'd totally switch the ball (subtly via slight of hand) with a heavy padded ball, pull it away with a little force so it comes back and smacks me, then smash a few ketchup packets all over my face and roll around on the ground screaming.

Good thing I'm not a professor...

...or a student. Give the poor old prof an infarction.

Given this video, I now blame the prof, not the student.

She failed science? More like the teacher failed his student.

Agreed. While this is an effective demonstration of conservation of momentum, it is also dangerous. You need to make sure to do things safely. That is all on the professor as they are supposedly the expert and are in charge.

Physics works and I'm still alive.

*science. Part of the problem was that she was holding the ball herself, and thus had to lean back to stay in balance - when she dropped it she leaned back forward to a more natural position.
And yes, I too blame the lecturer.

Adding video to channels (Science) - requested by Zawash.

The prof was partially to blame here. After she lets go he's only looking at the audience. He should have been watching the person at risk of being smacked in the face, to make sure they didn't step forward. Worthwords is correct though - a wall behind the head would make a lot more sense, at least when science noobs are doing it.

And only if you succeed in giving it no push at all.
Science beats stupid every time.
Science totally worked, and beat that stupid girl in the face. (and should beat her stupid teacher in his bank account)

I totally don't blame the student. She's not stupid for not realizing how far forward she was moving. The anxiety of the moment and the professor standing right next to you can give you ignorant confidence and just make you less aware of things.

What a stupid asshole prick professor. His only job in this demonstration is to ensure she keeps her head still after the pendulum is released.

She very obviously moved forward by about 6 to 8 inches, and the professor didn't even seem to be concerned enough to look in her direction at all.

Yeah, I would agree the stupid is more on the prof. than on the chick.

I don't think she stepped forward, she would have been leaning back a bit to keep balanced while holding the ball. As soon as she released the ball she had to stand upright to remain balanced. Hence when it came back it smacked her in the face. The prof should have thought of that. If he had held the ball instead it would have been better.

Also did you notice the smirk on his face when she got hit? He doesn't seem to care at all.

Science - Fire weapon under water - at your belly has been added as a related post - related requested by Zawash on that post.

Science - The Wrecking Ball Pendulum has been added as a related post - related requested by Zawash on that post.