Mechanics
> Rotational Dynamics > Angular Momentum |
DCS#
1Q50.20 v2
|
GYROWHEEL

-
APPARATUS
gyrowheel
|
202-15-B |
handles, endpiece, spacer
|
202-15-B |
stand,
turntable
|
202-15-F
|
long
axle,
counterweights,
swivel
|
202-15-C
|
DESCRIPTION
- The gyrowheel has a motor-driven
flywheel that turns independently of the outer wheel. It has
three speeds; press the yellow on/off button three times for the
highest speed. It can be used for the same set of demonstrations
as the
bicycle wheel gyro:
- Attach the handles and hand it to
a student standing on the turntable to show
conservation of momentum.
- Attach the long axle and
counterweight,
and hang the system from the ceiling to show precession.
- Attach the ball endpiece and place
it on the
stand to show
precession.
- Roll the
wheel across the floor to show gyroscopic stability.
NOTES
The gyrowheel needs
to charge overnight (the instructions say 16 hours). It will then
allegedly last two hours on high speed.
The plastic
spacer prevents the outer wheel from rotating relative to the axle, and
should be used with the ball endpiece and the long axle.
The gyrowheel
is heavier than the bicycle wheel and will only precess for a short
time before it topples off the stand.
REFERENCES