Rotating Platform

Concept Overview

Conservation of Angular Momentum

Lecturer Procedure

Steps to Follow

1. Sit on stool.
2. Hold barbells in each hand.
3. Outstretch arms.
4. Use foot to push on stationary part of platform and set stool in rotating motion.
5. Bring arms in close to chest in 1 quick motion.

Expected Result

You will rotate faster as your arms are brought closer to your body.

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970

“In all of these demonstrations it is best to stand stably directly over the axis of the platform and to maintain one’s balance independent of any safety rail. When students are allowed to experiment with it, and I think they should, be sure to caution them emphatically to stay at all times out of reach of the arms of the person on the platform; also, to avoid horseplay and any attempt to see how fast one can spin another”

Video Demonstration

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