D3-01 MASSES SLIDING ON ROTATING CROSSARM

ID Code: D3-01
Purpose: Illustrates conservation of angular momentum
Description: Two masses which can slide along a crossarm can be moved to smaller radii by pulling on the chain hanging down through the center of the apparatus. With the masses at the largest radius, start the system rotating. Pulling the chain pulls the masses inward, reducing the moment of inertia and causing the system to rotate with a greater angular velocity. Conversely, slowly releasing the chain increases the moment of inertia and thus reduces the angular velocity.
Availability: Available