Conservation of Angular Momentum

A non-rotating ring is dropped onto a rotating disk. The angular speed is measured immediately before the drop and after the ring stops sliding on the disk. The measurements are repeated with a non-rotating disk being dropped onto a rotating disk. For each situation, the initial angular momentum is compared to the final angular momentum. Initial and final kinetic energy are also calculated and compared.

Grade Level: College • High School

Subject: Physics

Student Files

Teacher Files

Sign In to your PASCO account to access teacher files and sample data.

Featured Equipment

Universal 550 Physics Experiment Bundle

This system provides a complete set of labs for mechanics, heat, light, sound, and electromagnetism.

550 Universal Interface

The 550 is fast, powerful, and incredibly affordable. It offers half the ports and many of the same features as our 850 Interface in a smaller package.

PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor

The PASPORT Rotary Motion Sensor measures angle, angular velocity, angular acceleration and linear position, velocity, and acceleration.

Rotational Inertia Accessory

Add the Rotational Inertia Accessory to a PASCO Rotary Motion Sensor (PS-3220 or PS-2120) to study the rotational inertia of a disk, a steel ring, and point masses.

Support

Many lab activities can be conducted with our Wireless, PASPORT, or even ScienceWorkshop sensors and equipment. For assistance with substituting compatible instruments, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.
Copyright © 2020 PASCO