PURPOSE: To show that rotation about the principal axis of smaller moment of inertia is unstable and changes to rotation about the principal axis of maximum moment of inertia.
DESCRIPTION: A string is attached at one end to a rotator chuck and is tied to a metal ring at the other end. As the handle is turned, the ring will begin to rotate. As the ring rotates its axis of rotation will change from rotation with the plane of the ring vertical to the most stable configuration, which is rotation of the ring in a horizontal plane, as shown in the photograph.
SUGGESTIONS: Do not rotate too rapidly or the string will kink up and mask the effect.
REFERENCES: (PIRA 1Q60.50) See Marion, Classical Dynamics, pp. 399-402, a copy of which is in our Demonstration Reference File.
EQUIPMENT: Rotator, ring-string-bit assembly.
SETUP TIME: None.
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