Extra Credit Project: Maximal Forces

How much force can you exert?

This project must be done by individuals.

Design 3 experiments, in each of which you (yes, you!) attempt to exert as large a force as you can in one direction. In one experiment, you must exert a force upwards; in another, downwards; and, in the third, a horizontal force. Please do not do anything dangerous, and do not harm yourself in the process. Don't push yourself beyond your limits; just use common sense.

For each experiment, draw a picture which shows clearly all the relevant forces. For example, if one experiment were pushing my car through a parking lot, you might make a picture of you, the car, the parking lot, and arrows showing all the forces exerted by you and on the car. In addition to a picture, write a description of the experiment, and explain how you would measure the forces.

Now, carry out all 3 experiments, measuring all the quantities you mentioned. If you can't measure some quantity, you may calculate it (for full credit) or estimate it (for partial credit).

Submit a report which contains the pictures and descriptions of each experiment, as well as the results. You may also include interesting items you discovered during the course of the procedure.

This page maintained by Michael Richmond. Last modified Jan 3, 1999.