Breadcrumb
1D50.20 - Whirligig/Twirling Weights
![]() |
![]() |
Code Number:1D50.20
Demo Title: Whirligig/Twirling Weights
Condition: Good
Principle: Conservation of Angular Momentum
Area of Study: Mechanics
Equipment:
String through tube with 2 unequal masses, additional masses.
Procedure:
The two masses on a string when once started whirling is most safely stopped by pulling back down on the large weight.
References:
- Paul Hewitt, "Answer to January 2019 Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 57, #2, Feb. 2019, p. 116.
- Richard D. Kaufman, "Angular Acceleration Without Torque?", TPT, Vol. 50, #1, Jan. 2012, p. 35.
- Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 49, #6, Sept. 2011, p. 326.
- Jeff Whittaker, "Demonstrating Circular Motion With a Model Satellite/ Earth System", TPT, Vol. 46, #4, Apr. 2008, p. 237.
- James L. Hunt, "Five Quantitative Physics Experiments (Almost) Without Special Apparatus", TPT, Vol. 43, #7, Oct. 2005, p. 412.
- Robert Johns, "Acceleration Without Force?", TPT, Vol. 41, #3, Mar. 2003, p. 156.
- Martin Gardner, "The Twirled Ring", TPT, Vol. 40, #1, Jan. 2002, p. 51.
- Desmond N. Penny, "A Nonuniform Circular - Motion Experiment", TPT, Vol. 38, #8, Nov. 2000, p. 483.
- John L. Makous, "Variations of a Circular-Motion Lab", TPT, Vol. 38, #6, Sept. 2000, p. 354.
- Bill Jameson, "Additions to a Circular- Motion Lab", TPT, Vol. 37, #9, Dec. 1999, p. 545.
- Charles Henderson, "Measuring the Forces Required for Circular Motion", TPT, Vol. 36, #2, Feb. 1998, p. 118.
- Paul G. Hewitt, "Typo", TPT, Vol. 32, #5, May 1994, p. 262.
- Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 32, #3, Mar. 1994, p. 186.
- Kaye M. Elsner, "Visualizing Centripetal Force", TPT, Vol. 32, #3, Mar. 1994, p. 176.
- Juan Lin, "A Demonstration of Kepler's Third Law", TPT, Vol. 31, #2, Feb. 1993, p. 122.
- G.J. Aubrecht, A.P. French, M. Iona, and D.W. Welch, "The Radian - That Troublesome Unit", TPT, Vol. 31, #2, Feb. 1993, p. 84.
- "How Can Work Be Done In This Case?", TPT, Vol. 15, #5, May 1977, p. 309.
- Frank S. Crawford, "Explaining the Orbital Velocity of an Earth Satellite," AJP, Vol. 55, #3, Mar. 1987, p. 275.
- Francis Wunderlich, "Determination of 'g' through Circular Motion", AJP, Vol. 34, #12, Dec. 1966, p. 1199.
- Mm-1, 2, Ms-5: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
- M-198: "Three Neons & Ball on a String", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
- M-742: "Ball on String-Coin in Balloon", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
- Tik Liem, "A Measure of Centripetal Force", Investigation to Science Inquiry, 14.18, 380.
- David Kutliroff, "42, Illustrate Centripetal Force with a Mass on a String", 101 Classroom Demonstrations and Experiments For Physics Teachers, p. 95.
- "16. In and Out", Janice VanCleave's 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments.
- "32. In and Out", Janice VanCleave's Astronomy for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments That Really Work, p. 70.
- "Concepts in Motion", "E12: Centripetal Force", The Project Physics Course - Teachers Resource Book, p. 84.
- Robert Ehrlich, "Whirligig with a Hanging Weight", Turning the World Inside Out, p. 72 - 73.
- Charels Windsor, "Measuring the Acceleration of Gravity with a Rotating Rubber Stopper", Ames High School Notes.
- "Lift the Pot", The Usborne Book of Experiments.
- Borislaw Bilash II, “Centripetal Force and Acceleration“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 216.