Rotating Table
Purpose
Demonstrates conservation of angular momentum. A person on a rotating platform changes speed by moving hand weights inward (faster) or outward (slower), showing the inverse relationship between moment of inertia and angular velocity. A spinning bicycle wheel can also be used: flipping the wheel while seated on the platform transfers angular momentum to the person, who begins to rotate.
Figure 1:
The stool legs fit into notches on the wooden turntable. The demonstrator sits on the stool holding the dumbbells and is given a spin.
Equipment
- 1