The Sticky Coin

Challenge your friend to balance a coin on a wire hanger hook.. while the hook is pointing down.

  1. Ages: 9 - 16

  2. <30 minutes

  3. A little messy

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Start by bending the coat hanger so the hanger part forms a diamond shape.


  • Step 2

    Stick one finger into the tip of the diamond and let it hang freely. Then bend the hook part of the coat hanger so it points straight up. You need to get it perfectly level so you can balance the coin on the end of the hook.


  • Step 3

    Once you get it to balance, you're ready to spin! Very slowly, start to swing the hanger back and forth in a gentle arc. Gradually increase your speed until you're ready to whirl it all the way around in a circle. If you go fast enough, the coin will stick to the hook like it's glued there!This one takes some practice so keep at it!


  • Step 4

    Extra challenge: See if you can slow down and stop the hanger without knocking the coin off the end!


  • Final result!

    This trick uses centrifugal force. The spinning motion causes a vertical force to press the coin onto the tip of the hanger.


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