


Defying gravity with centrifugal force

Suitable For

Grade 3



Time Required

 <1 Hour



What’s it about?

Various forces exist in nature that we are unable to see. We are however able to see how these forces work or what effect such forces can have with some interesting science experiments. One of these forces which can be easily studied is gravity.

Gravity can be explained as the force with which the earth attracts bodies near its surface. You will know the effect of this force if you have ever fallen down on the playground! One way to work against the force of gravity is by ‘centrifugal force’ – try the following science experiment:

Topics covered

Gravity, Centrifugal force, Inertia

What will I need?


Procedure (Method)


How does it work?


Centrifugal Force is the tendency of an object following a curved path to move away from the center of curvature. Centrifugal force is a form of ‘inertia’ (the tendency of objects that are moving in a straight line to continue moving in a straight line). When swinging the bucket of water around a centre point (your shoulder), the water wants to move in a straight line but is held back by the circular motion of the bucket and hence presses down on the bucket’s bottom, preventing the water from falling out.

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