Physics of the falling pear

Violet has been working her way through a physics kit learning all about Newton's laws. I've been pretty good at being able to help her. Then today we came to an experiment where you were supposed to drop an apple or a pear on a sharp knife from different heights to see how far into the fruit the knife goes. Has to do with velocity and acceleration. I said we needed to wait for Mr. Incredible before we used a sharp knife.

In many ways around here I am the responsible grownup. I make sure the bills are paid on time. I see to it that we are saving enough for real estate taxes. I remind everyone when it is bedtime. But sharp knives? I'm not allowed to use them.



Here they are measuring the depth of the knife after a short drop. I made Violet wear her safety goggles. I think they are cute.



Here they are dropping it from a distance. Sorry it is blurry. And sorry for the mess in my kitchen. I was cooking a lot today and didn't tidy up. (Like I ever tidy up, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)





The aftermath. Hmm, want to guess Violet's real name?




Reviewing the results with the book and eating the science materials. (See, untidy counter top too.)

It was a fun experiment and I'm glad we waited for Mr. Incredible. I think he enjoyed helping her.