Moment of Inertia Using a Ramp

Concept Overview

Rotation objects will be having differently if they have a different moment of inertia.

Lecturer Procedure for Demonstration

Steps to Follow

1. Choose 2 objects of similar mass, but of different weighting.
2. Place objects at the top of the ramp.
3. Release from rest.

Expected Result

The objects will travel down the ramp at different speeds.

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970

“Tell the students you will allow a pair of selected objects to run a race down the incline from an even start. Ask: How many think a certain one (such as the one with the iron shell) will win? How many think the other will win? How many think the race will be a dead heat? (How many don’t think?) Tally the results and start the race by resting the competing objects against the meter stick laid and held flat across the inclined plane. To start the race fairly remove the meter stick by a rapid translational motion down the plane.”

Video Demonstration

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