1Q40.30 • Conservation of Angular Momentum: Rotating Stool and Bicycle Wheel

Location: Floor Demo (both kept under the stairs)

Photo Shows the Demonstration Used at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Instructions / Notes:

• The rim of the wheel is weighted.
• Spin the wheel using the switch on the apparatus, then sit on the stool.
• Tip the spinning wheel while seated on stool. Stool will rotate.
• Tip in the opposite direction to stop rotation.
• Note: This does not work perfectly because there is friction in the stool bearings.

Last updated on March 24, 2025