Physics Demonstrations
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Physics Demonstrations

Tricky Disks

Identifier: M: S - 008

Two wooden disks on an angled ramp

Concept Overview

Equilibrium when potential energy is a minimum.

Lecturer Procedure

TasksExpected Result
  1. Place non-weighted disk in the center of the ramp.
  2. Release disk.
Disk will roll down the ramp.
  1. Place weighted disk in the center of the ramp so that the lead loading is on the top of the disk and facing away from the students.
  2. Release disk.
Disk will roll up the ramp this time.

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970 

 “After the students have recovered their surprise, you can say, 'if you could see what I see, you would understand.'”

Video Demonstration

Tutorial: Set-up Instructions for M: S - 8
Transcript:

There is no audio with this recording.

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