PURPOSE: To illustrate inertia of rest in a dramatic way.

DESCRIPTION: Place the lead brick gently on your fingers and strike the lead brick sharply with the hammer. The inertia off the lead brick prevents damage to your fingers.

SUGGESTIONS: Drama can be added by palming a bit of dry ice before dipping your hand into the water to "dissipate the energy transferred to your hand during the collision."

REFERENCES:

EQUIPMENT: Lead brick and hammer; dry ice and beaker of water are optional.

SETUP TIME: None. (Allow time to obtain dry ice if requested.)

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