Conservation of Angular Momentum Apparatus | FrixoDynamics FX-508

Key Features

Key Features

• Immediate, visually dramatic demonstration of conservation of angular momentum with no instrumentation required
• Two sliding weights adjustable along the full radial length of the rotating arm via a pull cord
• Bearing-mounted rotating arm ensures smooth, low-friction rotation for clear and repeatable demonstration
• Bench-mounted vertical stand provides a stable base on any standard laboratory bench
• Manually operated, no power supply, electronics, or setup time required
• Suitable for lecture theatre demonstrations, laboratory induction sessions, and introductory practical classes
• Supplied with thread and comprehensive technical manual

Applications

• Qualitative demonstration of the conservation of angular momentum
• Illustration of the inverse relationship between moment of inertia and rotational speed
• Visual demonstration of the effect of radial mass distribution on angular velocity
• Introductory practical sessions and lecture demonstrations in dynamics and rotational mechanics
• Supplementary demonstration for courses covering structural engineering, machine dynamics, and applied mechanics
• Suitable for undergraduate engineering, physics, and applied science programmes

Construction and System Design

The FX-508 is built on a rigid vertical board that mounts securely on a standard laboratory bench. The horizontal rotating arm is attached to the vertical base through a precision bearing assembly, minimising frictional resistance and allowing the arm to spin freely after a manual impulse. Two dead weights are threaded onto the arm and can slide radially along its length. A pull cord connects both weights through the arm's central axis, when the cord is pulled, both weights are drawn symmetrically toward the centre of rotation simultaneously.

The arm is set in motion by hand, and once spinning freely, the demonstrator or student pulls the cord to bring the weights inward. The resulting acceleration in rotational speed is immediate and clearly visible, providing an unambiguous illustration of the angular momentum principle. Releasing the cord allows the weights to return outward under centrifugal reaction, slowing the rotation again. This inward-outward cycle can be repeated multiple times in a single demonstration session. The design requires no power supply, no calibration, and no measurement instruments, making it one of the most straightforward units to deploy in a teaching environment.

Export and Supply Capability

The SCIENTICO FrixoDynamics FX-508 is available for supply to engineering colleges, technical universities, mechanical engineering and physics departments, research institutions, and industrial training centres. SCIENTICO manufactures and exports laboratory equipment to institutions and distributors across multiple regions. Standard packaging is suitable for international shipment. Bulk orders, customised configurations, and institutional procurement enquiries are welcomed. Please contact SCIENTICO directly for pricing, lead times, and shipping terms.

Standards & Compliance

• Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• CE Marking - European Conformity where applicable
• Supplied with calibration certificate, operation manual, and experiment guide
• 12-month manufacturer's warranty (parts & labour from installation)

Ordering & Delivery

• Incoterms: CIF to destination seaport, FOB Mundra/Nhava Sheva, or Ex-Works Ambala
• Lead time: 3–5 weeks production + sea transit to destination
• Payment: LC (Letter of Credit) or T/T bank transfer against proforma invoice
• Documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does the FX-508 demonstrate?

The FX-508 demonstrates the principle of conservation of angular momentum. When the two sliding weights are pulled inward along the rotating arm, the moment of inertia of the system decreases and the rotational speed increases proportionally. When the weights are allowed to move outward again, the rotation slows. This cycle provides a direct, visible illustration of the conservation law without requiring any measurement or data recording.

Q2: Can the FX-508 be used for quantitative experiments?

No. The FX-508 is designed exclusively as a qualitative demonstration unit. Its purpose is to provide a clear visual and physical illustration of angular momentum conservation for students and instructors. No force, speed, or angular measurement capability is incorporated into the unit. For quantitative rotational dynamics experiments, other apparatus in the FrixoDynamics series may be more appropriate.

Q3: How is the apparatus operated?

The rotating arm is spun manually by hand. While the arm is spinning, the pull cord is operated by the student or demonstrator to draw the two sliding weights radially inward along the arm. The resulting increase in rotational speed is immediately visible. Releasing the cord allows the weights to move back outward, reducing the speed. No power supply or electronic controls are required.

Q4: What is the principle behind the change in rotational speed when the weights are moved?

The rotational speed changes because angular momentum, the product of moment of inertia and angular velocity, is conserved in the absence of external torque. When the weights move inward, the moment of inertia decreases because mass is concentrated closer to the axis. To maintain constant angular momentum, the angular velocity must increase. This is the same principle observed in a figure skater pulling their arms inward to spin faster.

Q5: What is included in the scope of delivery for the FX-508?

The FX-508 is supplied as a complete demonstration kit including: one bench-mounted experimental unit with bearing-supported rotating arm and two sliding weights; one thread for pull cord operation; and one comprehensive instructional manual covering the operating procedure, underlying theory, and suggested demonstration approaches.