Maxwell‘s Wheel

Spoked wheel with large moment of inertia for demonstrating the conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy and vice versa. Includes suspending rod and adjustable suspension mechanism.

The rotating axle is held in a horizontal position by two strings attached to a suspending rod and is moved upward by winding in the strings. If the equipment is released from its wound in position, the spoked wheel acquires kinetic energy on the way down, which can be seen by the constant increase in its speed of rotation. Two stops on the ends of the axle prevent the wheel from spinning free. At the lowest point when the strings are fully unwound, they start rewinding around the axle and the wheel rises upward again, losing its kinetic energy as it gets higher. To measure the inertial force during acceleration, the whole apparatus complete with stand is placed on a set of scales.

• Moment of inertia: 10 kg cm² approx.
• Diameter of wheel: 130 mm approx.
• Mass of wheel: 370 g approx.
• Suspending rod: 370 × 12 mm dia.

Additionally required:

• 5401.U15004 Stainless Steel Rod 1 000 mm (2×)
• 5401.U15002 Stainless Steel Rod 470 mm
• 5401.U8611130 Stand with H-Shaped Base
• 5401.U13255 Universal Clamp (2×)