Do more than just explain; demonstrate forces and motion, torque and angular momentum with the giant Bicycle Wheel Gyroscope. A spinning bicycle wheel’s angular momentum depends on the radius of the wheel, its mass and the mass distribution. Angular momentum has both a size and a direction, and is conserved in a closed system. Spin the bicycle wheel, hold the handles, then try to change the axis of rotation. The faster it spins, the harder it is to tip over. Students will be amazed at how it resists tipping once it is spinning and how a large wheel can so easily balance on the narrow handle through the axis.

The wheel gyroscope can also be used to demonstrate gyroscopic precession, which is how a gyroscope appears to defy gravity. Precession is the change in the direction of the axis of a rotating object. The smooth, slow circling of a spinning top is precession, the uneven wobbling is nutation.

Overall diameter is 20 inches (51cm). Includes bicycle wheel, 2 plastic handles and rope.