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Item #P4-2165
Force & Motion
Best Seller
Flying Pig
$18.95
Bundle Discount
| Unit Price | $18.95 |
| 6+ | $18.00 |
Make centripetal force approachable
Turn complex calculations into concrete experiences with the Flying Pig. Topics like circular motion, centripetal acceleration, orbital mechanics, and even atomic structure often intimidate students with equations alone—but watching them play out physically helps students connect the math to real motion. Keep students engaged, curious and far more confident with this whimsical winged wonder.
Why Educators Love the Flying Pig
- Engaging: Instantly grabs student attention.
- Durable: Built to last for years of classroom use.
- Versatile: Works for physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy.
- Budget-friendly: Supports teaching as a demo or affordable as a class set.
Resources
Product Details
Perfect for introducing or reviewing Newton’s laws, the Flying Pig illustrates:
- Why objects move in a circle
- What happens if centripetal force is removed (string cut demonstration)
- The difference between centripetal and “centrifugal” force
- Real-world examples: safe curve speeds, amusement park rides, planetary motion
With its conical pendulum motion, it’s an ideal visual for energy transfer, acceleration, and force vectors.
For All Levels of Physics
From Conceptual Physics to AP Physics C: Mechanics, the Flying Pig adapts to your curriculum:
- Conceptual Physics – Minimal math, focus on velocity, acceleration, energy transfer
- High School Physics – Measure pig’s speed, relate to real-world motion
- AP Physics 1 / Algebra-Based – Civil engineering concepts, banked curves, friction/tension forces
- AP Physics C – Conical pendulum equations, small-angle approximations, real-world constraints
Model Orbital Mechanics & Astronomy
Share this tool between physics and earth science classes to explore:
- Kepler’s Laws and orbital motion
- Elliptical orbits, eccentricity, and conic sections
- Orbital speed changes and Hohmann transfers
- Artificial gravity simulations
Unexpected Chemistry Connections
Yes, even chemistry teachers can use the Flying Pig! Demonstrate:
- Rutherford’s atomic model (electron orbits)
- Why the Bohr model replaced it
- Atomic radius trends (adding weight to shorten orbit radius)
Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Product Specifications
Specs:
Wingspan: 16 inches (40 cm)
Power source: 2 AA batteries (sold separately)
Flying diameter: approx. 1.2 meters with 1 meter string
Setup time: 5 minutes
What's Included:
Flying Pig
Ceiling mount with hardware and string line
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Flying Pig demonstration used for?
The Flying Pig is a hands-on physics demonstration tool used to teach circular motion and centripetal force. As it spins in a stable conical path, students can clearly observe how forces act on an object in motion—making abstract concepts easier to understand.What physics concepts can I teach with the Flying Pig?
This versatile circular motion apparatus supports lessons on centripetal force, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, and energy. It’s ideal for both conceptual discussions and quantitative classroom physics experiments.How does the Flying Pig demonstrate centripetal force?
When the pig moves in a circle, the tension in the string provides the centripetal force that keeps it in motion. The visible angle and radius make it easy for students to connect what they see to the underlying physics.What grade levels is the Flying Pig appropriate for?
The Flying Pig is designed to be cross-curricular. It works well in middle school, high school, and introductory college courses, and is used across a wide range of classes—from conceptual physics to AP Physics, as well as chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. Teachers often revisit it throughout the year, using it for everything from simple demonstrations of motion to more advanced investigations of circular motion, orbits, and atomic models.Is the Flying Pig easy to set up in a classroom?
Yes. The Flying Pig is designed for quick setup—just suspend it, power it on, and start the motion. It’s a reliable classroom physics demo that can be used repeatedly with minimal prep time.Can students collect data with this demonstration?
Absolutely. Students can measure variables like radius, period, and speed to calculate centripetal force, making it a great bridge between demonstration and inquiry-based learning.Why do teachers choose the Flying Pig for teaching circular motion?
Teachers choose the Flying Pig because it makes circular motion visible, engaging, and memorable. It helps students connect equations to real motion—improving comprehension and retention during physics instruction.
Warning: California Residents
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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