PIRA Class: 1Q50.40
Purpose:
To demonstrate how conservation of angular momentum can make it difficult to rotate an object.
Description:
A briefcase with a bike wheel hidden inside. Start the wheel spinning then hand the briefcase to someone and ask them to rotate the briefcase in their hand.
NOTE: The small mass of the wheel and the difficulty in getting in spinning quickly makes it difficult to feel a large effect. To the right is a video showing the desired result (skip to 2:07 in the video).
Equipment:
Trick briefcase
Location:
Shelf 143