Instantaneous velocity
Carrying out the experiment
Evaluation and results
Setup
Set up the equipment according to Fig. 1. First assemble the
frame with the light barrier using the stand material. Then
attach the rod of the Maxwell wheel, in such a way, that the
wheel axle is level and the strings are even on both sides.
You can reach this best by some up and down movements
before starting the experiment.
Attach the key switch using the support block.
Fix the scale to the saddle base. The upper pointer should be
adjusted to the axis of the wheel in its highest position. It
remains fixed through the complete experiment. The lower
pointer is moved according the beam position of the light
Objects of the experiment
g Introducing the concept of conservation of energy
g Measuring the transformation of potential energy into translational and rotational energy
g Determination of moment of inertia of the Maxwell wheel
Principles
Maxwell’s wheel is used to demonstrate the conservation of
mechanical energy. When the wheel is rotated by hand to the
top and released, its potential energy Epot turns into kinetic
energy Erot + Etrans (rotation and translation) as it falls.
The total energy E of the system is constant: