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Tricks to making it work
- Put just enough weight on the top so that it doesn’t lift
off the pad while raising top to levitation height; too much weight causes
top to drop back down.
- After attempting to level the base, take a few test runs
and observe the tops tendencies. If top tends to fly off on one particular
side, raise the base on that side by twisting corresponding leg.
- Many people can’t spin a top- use electric top spinner.
- Used in uniform circular motion lab, coefficient of static
friction is calculated and then used to predict maximum rpm at which car will
remain on table.
- Adjust rpm with 5 amp, regulated DC power supply.
Location
- Turntable and car in L02, section B4.
- Power supply in L35, section F1.
- Located in L02, section D4.
- Tap hanging meter stick, with hammer, at various locations.
Tap will cause meter stick to slide across parallel rods if tap occurs above
or below center of percussion. If tap occurs at center of percussion
the tap will not cause the meter stick to slide.(Meter stick will
slide do to swinging motion, however.)
- Ring stands, clamps, and meter sticks located in L34
- Purpose: Use principles of torque and right hand rule to
determine which way spool will role as string is pulled at various angles.
- Located in L02, section B4.
- Two identical disks with variable moments of inertia.
- Located in L02, section D3.
- Balls are identical in size, but vary in moment of inertia.
- Located in L02, section D-3.
- Located in L02, section D4.
- Check out these gyroscope
video clips for a variety of experiments.
- Electric starter takes about 30 seconds to reach max rpm.
- Location: L02, Section D4, in black cylinder.
- Clutch mechanism allows demonstrator to spin wheel just
by rotating handle.
- Use in conjunction with rotating stool for a nice (visceral)
demo of conservation of angular momentum.
- Located in L02, section D4
- Use to demonstrate conservation of angular momentum, and
to make your least favorite student sick.
- Spin student with his or her arms extended; retraction of
arms increases student’s angular velocity.
- Located in L02, section D4.
- Demonstrate effects of conservation of angular momentum.
Set sphere spinning then collapse sphere by pulling cord.
- Located in L02, section D3.