Levitating slinky - GIF

**Altair** · Aug 22, 2021, 08:27 PM

Levitating slinky.

Previously:

Reduced gravity simulator - photo
Zero gravity astronaut coffee cup - photos and video
Michael Jackson's anti-gravity illusion shoes - GIF and patent
Honey in zero gravity - GIF

**Bony** · Aug 23, 2021, 10:59 PM

Can someone explain that phenomenon please. Why does it happen?

**desbromilow** · Aug 27, 2021, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Bony

Can someone explain that phenomenon please. Why does it happen?

from my understanding the centre of mass (CoG) of the spring is falling at the speed defined by normal equations of falling bodies. The top part of the spring is being pulled towards that CoG, whereas the bottom part is being pulled upwards towards the same CoG. Because of the light weight, and spring constant of the slinky, it gives the impression that the bottom is stationary and the rest of the spring comes to it before it starts moving.

least that's my understanding of what you're seeing - and that is why the dropped ball is not at the same starting height.

**Nick79** · Aug 29, 2021, 07:57 AM

WHY would anyone climb to the top edge of their house roof to drop a slinky - really - how important is this spring effect to risk being up there . . . .