40. Tiltable Prism

This graphic demonstration of stability comes from Russia. When the line of the plumb bob hanging below the center of mass falls within the base, the prism is stable. But when the extended plumb bob line falls outside the base, the prism tips over. This demonstration is similar to the Tower of Pisa, and the two can be used together.

 

"Glasnost gives us this pretty demonstration from Russia. In Russia all students are required to take 5 years of physics, and these demonstrations are used throughout Russia. However, the Russians lost the Cold War so, though it pains me to say it, perhaps it is better to watch MTV than to study physics too hard!"