PURPOSE: To show that centripetal momentum is conserved when a decrease in the moment of inertia causes an increase in the velocity of rotation.
DESCRIPTION: An apparatus consists of an arm with a sliding weight cart mounted on a rotating platter. A photogate pulley and computer collect the data with the Science Workshop. A graph of the rotation velocity versus time is shown to the class. Reducing the moment of inertia produces an increase in the speed of rotation. The centripetal momentum is conserved.
EQUIPMENT: Pasco centripetal force apparatus and smart pulley are stored in mechanics. The Science workshop computer must be used. If the demo is performed in room 141 thenthe ASK LCD computer display must be used.
SETUP NOTES: The rotational speed must be adjusted properky.
The data rate must be set. The coordinates of the graph must be set in range.