The name ’’cart wheels’’ here denotes two wheels rotating freely about a common axle and rolling on an inclined plane. This nonholonomic system is not new but appears to have been neglected. It makes a striking demonstration, and is useful for applying the methods of simple or advanced mechanics. When spinning, it travels horizontally with a small, superposed, circular motion, suggesting a linear counterpart of the precession and nutation of a gyroscope.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1978 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1978
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
