Mechanics:
Bicycle Wheel Gyro

PIRA Class: 1Q50.20

Purpose:
To demonstrate gyroscopic precession.

Description: 

1. Loop the chain connected to the ceiling around the wheel handle and clip the chain to itself so that the wheel is hanging from the ceiling.

2. Hold the wheel vertically and start it spinning quickly.

3. Let go of the spinning wheel. Students observe the wheel remaining in its vertical position and subsequently revolve about a vertical axis that lies along the chain.

Fishing line can be wrapped around the side of the wheel (wrap once, tie a loose knot, then continue wrapping) and pulled to start the wheel spinning. Otherwise, use a safety glove to slap the wheel several times to start is spinning.

The smaller black bicycle wheel has a short string attached to one handle and works well as a hand-held demonstration rather than hanging it from the ceiling.

Equipment:
Bicycle wheel, safety glove

Location:
Shelf 143 (bicycle wheel), shelf 264 (safety glove)