Fidget Spinner Science - Conservation of Angular Momentum

thingiverse

This project builds on a fidget spinner modeling and printing lesson that I conducted with my class, as described at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2338377. The concept for this experiment originated from recalling gyroscopic precession demonstrations in college using a custom bicycle wheel, showcased in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZlW1a63KZs&feature=youtu.be&t=45s. Although the video is labeled Conservation of Angular Momentum, it does not directly illustrate this concept. I hypothesized that by demonstrating how the spinner's spinning time decreases as its supporting rig spins faster and faster, I could visually demonstrate conservation of angular momentum. Designing the rig to mount the spinner and incorporate an additional rotational element was a fun challenge. The included video demonstrates the construction of the rig and the experiment's execution. A data sheet and presentation used with my students are also attached. To obtain reliable data, it is crucial to maintain consistency in the spin force applied, avoid introducing extraneous forces on the rotor when released, and start the stopwatch at the correct moment. As I emphasize in the presentation, the rig is not indestructible, particularly the support arms, which can be easily broken due to their orientation during the build process. Students use a stopwatch to measure the spinning duration of the spinner with varying post configurations. The greater the difference in post heights, the faster and shorter the spinner's spin should be - I hope!