The subject (standing on the turntable) is given a cycle wheel, which is held wi

Question

The subject (standing on the turntable) is given a cycle wheel, which is held with the wheel’s axis of rotation parallel to the floor, and then the wheel is then set rotating. The subject then rotates the wheel through 90 degrees, so that the wheel’s axis of rotation is perpendicular to the floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZlW1a63KZs

Questions 1. What do you observe to happen?

2. What are the mechanics governing the phenomena you have just observed? Again, your explanation should include reference to angular velocity, angular momentum, and moment of inertia.

3. What sports are these principles used in?

Explanation / Answer

1) We observe that the subject holding the also starts rotating as the wheel's axis is turned perpendicular.

2) The science behind this phenomenon is that Angular momentum remains constant unless acted upon by a Torque. So first when the wheel was rotating with axis parallel to floor, the angular momentum is towards the center or away form center of the circle i.e in radial direction. But as we turn the axis perpendicular, the angular momentum now becomes in vertical axis, i.e upwards if the wheel is rotating anti-clockwise and downwards if rotating clockwise. so to satisfy the angular momentum conservation, the person holding the wheel starts rotaing in direction opposite to that of the wheel's rotation.

3) Conservation of angular momentum is used in various sports like, Gymnastics, Diving, Ice-skating etc.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.