Demonstrates that mass distribution, not total mass, determines rotational inertia. Students rotate sticks with identical mass but different mass placements, directly feeling the dependence of moment of inertia.
A meter stick with adjustable clamp masses is balanced vertically on an open palm. With masses high, the large moment of inertia slows angular acceleration, giving time to correct — …
A hoop and disk of equal mass and radius race down an incline. The disk always wins because its mass is closer to the rotation axis, giving it a smaller …
Demonstrates that objects with identical moments of inertia accelerate identically down a ramp, regardless of differences in mass and radius. Challenges the common misconception that heavier objects roll faster.
Two cylinders of equal mass but different mass distributions race down a ramp. The cylinder with mass concentrated near the axis (metal core) always wins, demonstrating that moment of inertia …
Demonstrates that mass distribution, not total mass, determines rolling acceleration. A sphere beats a cylinder down a ramp; then adding large cardboard rings to the cylinder (making a spool) dramatically …
Two bars with equal gravitational torques but different mass distributions swing down at visibly different rates, demonstrating that angular acceleration depends on moment of inertia .
