Physicist's Skateboard - Physics Demonstrations - Physicist's Skateboard | Physics Undergraduate Labs

The skateboard can move unexpectedly and the demonstrator may lose balance while stepping off. Practice the demonstration before performing in front of students. Consider having a spotter nearby or performing near a wall or table for support. The manufacturer's warning against standing on the device should be acknowledged, though this is the standard use for physics demonstrations.

Purpose

Stepping off a low-friction wheeled platform demonstrates Newton's Third Law: the board recoils backward as the demonstrator steps forward. Also illustrates conservation of momentum — the board's higher recoil speed reflects its lower mass.

Person in blue sneakers and jeans standing on a large black wheeled platform with caster wheels on tile floor, red warning text reading 'Avoid Personal Injury DO NOT STAND' visible on the surface, metal handle at one end

Figure 1: The physicist's skateboard provides a low-friction platform for demonstrating momentum conservation and Newton's Third Law, though the manufacturer's warning should be noted.

Safety Warnings

Warning: Fall Hazard Warning

Purpose