Description: demonstrates properties of the gyroscope. Use of rotating platform allows you to demonstrate conservation of angular momentum.
Equipment:
Bicycle wheel
Rotational platform
Procedure:
- Hold one handle of bicycle wheel and spin wheel. Holding onto both handles try to the axis through any angle and note the resistance that takes place. Have students try it.
- Attach a rope to one end of the handle. The axis of the bicycle wheel should remain (roughly) horizontal and process around the vertical.
- Spin the wheel and hold it so the wheel is horizontal. Step onto the platform. Now tilt the wheel so you change the direction of the angular momentum vector. You will rotate in the opposite direction to conserve angular momentum. Have students try it.
Location:
La Verne Physics Demonstration Page 