The broom trick is a popular internet challenge that went viral in February 2020. It involves trying to make a broom stand upright on its own, without any support or external force. The challenge claims that brooms can only be balanced in this way on a specific day – the vernal equinox. Many people were amazed when they found out that their brooms could stand upright, believing that it was some sort of supernatural event. However, is the broom trick real or just a myth?
The broom trick is actually not a supernatural or magical occurrence. It is simply a matter of physics and balance. The bristles of a broom are designed to be in a slight angled position, which makes it easier for them to stand upright when balanced correctly. This means that any broom can be balanced and made to stand on its own, regardless of the time of year or any special date.
Despite this, the vernal equinox misconception has led to many people attempting the broom trick on that particular day. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and pictures of brooms standing upright, further perpetuating the belief that it is a rare event. However, if you try the broom trick on any other day, you will still be able to achieve the same result.
Scientific explanation of the broom trick
The broom challenge or broom trick, which gained popularity on social media, has a simple scientific explanation. Contrary to what some may believe, it has nothing to do with gravitational forces or planetary alignments. Instead, it revolves around the concept of center of mass.
The center of mass
The center of mass is the point within an object at which the mass is evenly distributed in all directions. In simpler terms, it is the point where the object can balance perfectly, regardless of its shape or size. For most objects, the center of mass is located near the object’s geometric center.
How does the broom trick work?
When a broom is stood upright and appears to balance on its bristles, it is due to its low center of mass. Brooms are designed with a long handle and a narrow base, causing the center of mass to be closer to the base. This means the broom can be positioned in a way that its center of mass aligns vertically above the base of support.
By adjusting the angle of the broom and applying a gentle force to position it correctly, the broom can stand on its own. It is not due to any magical forces or supernatural phenomena, but rather a result of physics and the concept of center of mass.
However, it is worth noting that this phenomenon is not specific to brooms. In fact, many other objects with a similar shape and center of mass distribution can be made to balance in the same manner. The broom trick, therefore, serves as a fun and visual demonstration of physics principles.
Please remember to have fun and always be cautious when attempting the broom trick to prevent any potential accidents or damage.
Debunking the broom trick myth
The broom trick is a popular viral trend that claims brooms can stand upright on their own on a specific day due to some sort of gravitational pull. However, this claim is nothing more than a hoax and has been debunked by scientists and experts.
The broom trick is based on a misunderstanding of the concept of balance and equilibrium. In reality, brooms can stand upright on any day as long as their bristles are properly aligned and weighted. It has nothing to do with the Earth’s gravitational pull or any specific time of the year.
To understand why brooms can stand upright, it’s important to know about the center of gravity. Every object has a center of gravity, which is the point where its weight is evenly distributed. When the broom’s weight is perfectly balanced over its bristles, it can stand upright without any support.
The broom trick gained attention when a viral video purportedly showed brooms standing on their own on a specific day, claiming that it was due to a unique gravitational alignment. However, this phenomenon can be easily replicated on any other day as well.
To debunk this myth, simply try standing a broom upright any day of the year. With a little adjustment and patience, anyone can achieve this feat. The broom trick is simply a case of misinterpretation and misinformation that has taken the internet by storm.
In conclusion, the broom trick is not a real phenomenon and should not be believed as scientific or factual. It is merely a viral trend that has captivated social media users for its seemingly mysterious nature. Understanding the concept of balance and gravity can help debunk this myth and prevent further misinformation from spreading.
How to perform the broom trick
If you want to try the broom trick yourself, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Find a broom
First, you need to find a broom with stiff bristles. It’s important that the broom can stand up on its own without any support.
Step 2: Balance the broom
Place the broom on a flat, even surface. Make sure the bristles are evenly spread out and that the broom is balanced. Adjust the position of the bristles and handle if necessary.
Step 3: Wait for the right moment
This trick works best during the spring equinox, which happens around March 21st. During this time, the Earth’s tilt is such that it creates a temporary balance that allows the broom to stand upright.
Step 4: Position the broom
Gently position the broom so that the bristles are touching the ground. Make sure the broom is perfectly vertical and not leaning to one side.
Step 5: Let go of the broom
Slowly release your grip on the broom and watch as it stands up on its own. The broom will remain balanced as long as the Earth’s tilt is at the right angle.
Note: It’s important to remember that the broom trick is not magic but is simply a result of physics and the Earth’s natural balance. The trick may not work on other days of the year due to the Earth’s tilt.
Popular videos featuring the broom trick
As the broom trick gained popularity on social media, several videos showcasing the phenomenon went viral. These videos captured the attention of millions of viewers and sparked widespread interest in the broom trick. Here are some of the most popular videos featuring the broom trick:
1. “Broom Challenge Explained” – This video by a popular science channel explains the science behind the broom trick and demonstrates how it works. It has garnered millions of views and has been shared widely on various social media platforms.
2. “Celebrities Try the Broom Challenge” – In this video, several celebrities attempt the broom trick and share their reactions. It features famous personalities from the entertainment industry and has attracted a significant following.
3. “Broom Trick Compilation” – This video compiles various attempts at the broom trick, showcasing both successful and unsuccessful tries. It provides an entertaining look at people’s reactions and attempts to make brooms stand upright.
4. “Broom Challenge Reactions” – This video captures the surprised reactions of individuals as they try the broom trick for the first time. Their astonishment and disbelief add an amusing element to the video, making it highly shareable.
5. “The Broom Challenge Gone Wrong” – This video showcases funny and unexpected situations that occurred during attempts at the broom trick. It highlights the unpredictable nature of the trick and the potential for humorous mishaps.
These popular videos have played a significant role in spreading awareness about the broom trick and generating curiosity among viewers. They have contributed to the broom trick’s viral status and have made it a trending topic on various social media platforms.
What the broom trick tells us about physics
Have you ever heard of the broom trick? It’s a viral phenomenon that took the internet by storm in 2020. People were claiming that brooms could stand upright on their own on a particular day, thanks to some mysterious gravitational force. But is the broom trick real or just a hoax?
The truth is, the broom trick is not a supernatural event or a secret force of nature. It can be explained by physics. To understand why brooms can stand upright, we need to look at the concept of center of mass.
Center of mass
The center of mass is a point in an object where its mass is concentrated. In simple terms, it is the average position of all the particles that make up the object. In an upright broom, the center of mass is located at the base, close to where the bristles meet the handle.
When you try to balance a broom vertically, you are positioning the broom in such a way that the center of mass falls within the base of support. The base of support is the area between the bristles that makes contact with the ground. By carefully aligning the broom, you can find a stable position where the center of mass is directly above the base, allowing the broom to stand upright.
Normal force
Another key concept in understanding the broom trick is the normal force. The normal force is the force exerted by a surface that is perpendicular to that surface. In this case, the normal force is exerted by the ground and acts in an upward direction to support the broom.
When the broom is in a balanced position, the normal force is equal to the weight of the broom. This is because the broom is not accelerating and is in a state of equilibrium. By carefully positioning the broom, you can find the right balance between the center of mass and the normal force to make it stand upright.
So, next time you see someone performing the broom trick, remember that it’s not magic or a conspiracy. It’s simply a result of understanding basic physics concepts like center of mass and normal force. The broom trick reminds us that physics can explain many seemingly mysterious phenomena, and that science is all around us!
