Maxwell's Wheel with Stand

Maxwell's Wheel on a Stand

A classic teaching aid demonstrating the principle of energy conservation and its transformation (here: potential energy into kinetic energy). The wheel with an axle serving as handles is suspended on a stand (two points). The experiment consists of winding the strings onto the axles and lifting the wheel upward, then releasing it freely – potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and the wheel descends, where the reverse transformation occurs: kinetic energy becomes potential energy and the wheel moves back upward. The process continues until all energy is dissipated by friction forces (otherwise it would act as a kind of perpetual motion machine).

Maxwell’s Wheel makes it possible to discuss the law of energy conservation, potential and kinetic energy, rotational motion, momentum, and the influence of friction on the motion of the system.

A major advantage of the apparatus is the ability to adjust the strings from above, which makes it easier to set the wheel correctly and prepare the experiment. The wheel can also be positioned off‑center, allowing observation of how changing the setup affects the behavior of the entire system. The structure is mounted on a heavy wooden base that ensures stability during demonstrations, while the flywheel itself is made of metal. The solid construction makes the aid suitable for repeated use during physics lessons and laboratory classes.

Specification:

• Apparatus height: approx. 56 cm
• Flywheel diameter: approx. 9 cm
• Flywheel: metal
• Base: wooden, stable
• Base dimensions: 38 × 15 × 1.5 cm
• Adjustment: ability to regulate the strings and position the wheel off‑center