MYSTERY BATONS
EQUIPMENT
2 Batons (Red and Blue)
NARRATIVE
Two,
approximately 3 foot long tubes
of the same weight have different moments of inertia. Each tube is loaded with the same
weight of material. The blue tube has the weight at its center, while the red one has its
weight at the ends. This weight location gives the red one a larger moment of inertia.
Have a student hold the batons, one in each hand, gripping them near the ends to note the similarity of weight. Then take the baton with the smaller moment of inertia (red) from the student. Each of you should now grip the baton at its center. Ask the student to oscillate his baton at the same frequency that you do. Gradually increase this rate. The student will be unable to match your faster rate.
The batons may also be mounted on a handle and rotated to demonstrate that the red one rotates faster because of its smaller moment of inertia.