Rotational Energy Concept

Demonstrations in Rotational Energy

Angular acceleration machine with white pulley wheel on central shaft, two arms with movable brass weights, string with hanging mass, clamped to bench edge with purple Irwin Quick-Grip clamps on wooden blocks

Angular Acceleration Machine

Demonstrates that mass distribution, not just total mass, determines angular acceleration. Students compare the acceleration when the arm weights are close to the shaft versus out at the ends, directly …

Falling chimney apparatus: wooden base board with hinged stick propped up by a vertical support bar forming a triangle, yellow cup and ball bearing visible at the top end of the stick

Falling Chimney - Free-Fall Paradox

A hinged stick ("chimney") rotates faster than a ball bearing free-falls, so the cup at the end of the stick catches the ball. Students see that rotational acceleration can cause …