Mechanics > Rotational Dynamics > Angular Momentum DCS# 1Q40.30

BICYCLE WHEEL AND ROTATING STOOL

bicycle wheel and rotating
        stool

APPARATUS
bicycle wheel and stand 202-15-F
rotating stool 202-12-C
motor with foot pedal 202-16-E6

DESCRIPTION
Use motor to spin up bicycle wheel and hand it to a volunteer on the rotating stool.  Changing the orientation of the wheel axle will cause the person to rotate so that the total angular momentum of the system remains constant.

Or start out with the wheel and the person at rest on the stool with zero angular momentum.  Spin up the wheel by hand while on the stool, then grab the spinning wheel to bring the system to rest.