Defying gravity using Jenga™ blocks

Abstract

This paper describes how Jenga™ blocks can be used to demonstrate the physics of an overhanging tower that appears to defy gravity. We also propose ideas for how this demonstration can be adapted for the A-level physics curriculum.

A stack of cards rebuilt with calculus

“…A direct hands-on activity presumes shifting of the plates without any preliminary knowledge of their limiting positions, and further comparison of the experimentally determined maximum displacements with the values predicted by the theory. In this case students start with the unshifted tower, displace the topmost plate until it barely keeps balance, then displace the lower one and repeat the procedure until all the plates are maximum shifted [7].…”