Angular Momentum Experiment

The student will be able to

1. distinguish angular momentum from linear momentum,
2. have an initial understanding of the value of the concept of angular momentum,
3. know the basic formula for determining angular momentum, and
4. have a basic familiarity with precession.

Educational level: introductory
Setting: may be used for independent study either as a part of a full study of introductory physics or as a single lesson. It could also be assigned for use from a introductory physics classroom setting.
Time required: Roughly 1/2 hour
Special equipment: bicycle
Pre-requisite knowledge: understanding of linear momentum or having done proceeding laboratory directions.

The full experiment is available at http://homepage.mac.com/dtrapp/ePhysics.f/labIII_2.html which is part of http://www.SequimScience.com.

Directions and needed introductory written materials are all included in the web page. A bicycle, protective riding gear, and a safe open space is needed to conduct the new part of the activity.

No additional textual materials need to be accessed except the activity web page. Students either independently or at teacher direction access the web activity page, following the directions there, recording their findings in a journal, and complete the assignment by drafting a formal laboratory report as necessary.

Setup and Instructions are included on the web page http://homepage.mac.com/dtrapp/ePhysics.f/labIII_2.html.

The activity is designed for independent study by a student. It was not intended to need any teacher provided directions. However is it is modified for use by a class of students, the instructor should consider what additional directions are pertinent as a result of the modification.

It is intended for a student maintain a journal of all experiments performed. If the student desires credit for her or his work, the directions recommend preparing a formal written report based on the criteria at http://homepage.mac.com/dtrapp/PhysicalScience/LabReport.html.