If you have a rotating office chair in your classroom, you can have physics pupils participate in this simple, yet effective demonstration of angular momentum. One partner sits in the chair, arms outstretched, holding heavy weights. The other partner spins him around. As he moves his arms inward, speed should increase. Make sure to have kids take measurements and perform associated calculations. 

Concepts

angular momentum, circular motion, momentum

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Additional Tags

rotational motion, circular motion, momentum, angular momentum, moment of inertia, science

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Pros

• Playing with office chair always engages learners
• Easy to implement

Cons

• None