wheel

Cups used for demo. Two sets of cups taped in different ways.
krecine1

Stable Rollers (Train Wheel Stability)

Two sets of cups are shown taped together. One set of cups is taped with the bottoms touching, so the part you drink from is on the outside for each cup. The other set of cups is taped with the tops touching, so the bottoms are on the outside.
  • Cups taped together in two different orientation can be used to discuss stability and why train wheels are shaped the way they are.
  • Although the set with the bottoms taped together is stable on a surface when stationary, it isn’t stable when rolling down an optical rail. The reason has to do with the effective size of the circle in contact with the rail on each side of the taped cups.
  • The set with tops taped together is stable when rolling and has a similar shape to train wheels, showing how train wheels are constructed for stability.
  • Original idea and deeper explanation available through this video
  • Cups located in L02, section B-4. Use an optical rail from L35.
aneat1

Bike Wheel Gyro

Bike Wheel Gyro Demo Picture

  • 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

 

aneat1

Rotating Stool

 

Rotating Stool Demo Picture

  • 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.