Data Sheet

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The flywheel engine works the same way in this

experiment as in the previous experiment. The main

difference is that this model has two extra wheels that

help stabilize the model so it doesn’t fall over as easily.

The drawback is that the extra wheels create more

friction with the tabletop. More energy from the

flywheel engine goes toward overcoming that extra

friction, so the model may not travel as far. However,

because of the improved stability, the model may be

less prone to skidding out, so it may actually drive

farther. See for yourself how your model behaves.

HERE’S HOW

Assemble the model.

Insert the rip cord into the

slot in the flywheel engine.

Hold the model, pull the rip

cord, and place the model on a

smooth tabletop. What do you

observe?



Gyroscopes & Flywheels

EXPERIMENT 20