A desk toy, magician's trick, or physics demonstration - the choice is yours.

We've used this one in university lecture classes. It has been known to bring a large lecture hall to silence with attention focused on the professor.

Newton's Nightmare consists of a blue conducting nonmagnetic lightweight metal tube, one brass weight, and one apparently identical weight with a magnet inside.

Let the weight without the magnet fall through the tube. It zips right on through the tube as expected.

Next, do the same thing with the magnet weight. It freely falls through the tube, but at a much slower rate.

An overview of the physics involved is found in our Newton's Nightmare tutorial. This product is part of our continuing virtual try before you buy series. So, go ahead - try Newton's Nightmare! The back cover provides instructions for the magician. It is reproduced in the graphic on the left. Dimensions: about 10" (24.5 cm) in length. Warning: Newton's Nightmare contains small pieces that are a potential choking hazard for young children. It is not intended for those under 4 years of age. Gift wrap orders: input salutation in the comment section at the end of the ordering process.