Mechanics:
Bicycle Wheel and Conservation of Angular Momentum

PIRA Class: 1Q40.30

Purpose:
To demonstrate the conservation of angular momentum as the direction of rotation changes.

Description:
Invert a spinning bicycle wheel while sitting on a rotating stool.

1. Have student sit on the stool and hold out vertically the bicycle wheel.

2. Start the wheel rotating.

3. Have student turn the wheel into a horizontal position one way and then the other way - observing their own changes in rotation upon the stool.

NOTE: Use a safety glove to help you slap the wheel several times to get it up to speed without hurting your hand. The large wheel also has space to wrap fishing line around the side of the wheel (tie a loose knot then wrap the string) and pull the string to achieve a fast rotation.

Equipment:
Bicycle wheel with handles (both wheels weigh about 8.5 lbs the larger wheel will provide a larger effect), rotating platform with stool, safety glove

Location:
Shelf 143 and 142 (bicycle wheel and rotating platform), shelf 264