PIRA 1M40.80 Conservation of Energy, Conservation of Angular Momentum: Euler's Disk
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Concepts Conveyed:
- The two concepts that can be conveyed are conservation of energy and angular momentum.
- Kinetic energy is given to the disk as it is spun.
- The mirror surface minimizes friction as much as possible showing the back and forth exchange of kinetic and potential energy overtime.
Instructions / Notes:
- Set the disk upright on the mirror surface.
- Spin it!
- After it finishes spinning, optionally add some of the magnets on one or both sides of the disk, and spin again.
- This can be a good comparison to show how the friction created by the magnets can affect the disk's spin, thus causing a quicker stop.
Last Updated 7/24 - University of Texas at Ausin Physics Dept.
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