Quick kinesthetic demo of harmonics

[dvandom]

Hold onto a bag by a strap, or some other reasonably heavy object that's free to swing. Try swinging it so that the object stays in line with your arm. Now try swinging it about twice as fast...you'll find that it swings opposite the direction of your arm! This is because you've found the second harmonic. SCIENCE!

Comments

[liabrown]

How dare you teach me anything! I refuse to learn!

[diosoth.livejournal.com]

And if you can swing it even faster than that you can find the third harmonic

http://www.explosm.net/movies/145/

Which is apparently the end of the world...

Yes, I'm aware your suggestion won't work with a paint can or something with a solid handle, so sue me.