Straws. Science. Potatoes. Can You Poke a Straw Into a Potato?

This is a fun trick, using a straw and a raw potato.

The first time, my straw actually went into the potato. But, when I followed the instructions, it went in much deeper. The next time, the straw collapsed, as expected.

Instructions

Jab a straw through a raw potato. It collapses.

Now, try it by holding your thumb over the end of the straw.

It either goes into the potato twice as far, or pierces it altogether.

What Is Behind the Trick?

What is this experiment all about?

You can make a straw much stronger by holding a thumb over the top.

Surprisingly, it becomes strong enough to jab it into a raw potato. Some can even pierce the potato all the way through.

Why?

When you first jab a straw into a potato, the straw has very little strength.

When you cover the top of the straw with your thumb, however, jabbing it into a potato compresses the air, strengthening the column and allowing you to poke the straw much deeper into the potato, even all the way through.

Then, you can bake the potato and serve it for dinner.

Want to  See How It’s Done?

Several YouTube videos show this trick in action.

• Click here to see how it’s done and the principles behind it.
• Click here to see it in a high school science lab
  
• Click here to see it demonstrated at a family Christmas party.
• Click here to see a friend’s unsuccessful attempts to throw a straw through a potato, misunderstanding his friend’s instructions.

Now, it’s your turn. Can you pierce a potato with a straw?

On Frugal Fridays, we highlight fun activities to share with your grandchildren.

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To you and sharing delight with your grandchildren.

Carol Covin, “Granny-Guru”

Author, “Who Gets to Name Grandma? The Wisdom of Mothers and Grandmothers”

http://newgrandmas.com

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Can You Poke a Straw into a Potato? Frugal Friday