Maxwell Wheel
Product Code : EL-AM-10335
Quick answer: The Maxwell Wheel is a Maxwell disc apparatus: a disc that winds up on its suspension cords and then descends, spinning faster as it falls. It is used to demonstrate the law of conservation of energy, as potential energy turns into translational and rotational kinetic energy and back again. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Maxwell disc (Maxwell wheel) apparatus |
| Demonstrates | Conservation of energy: potential energy converted to kinetic energy |
| Motion | Disc descends and rotates on its suspension cords |
How the Maxwell wheel is used
The disc is wound up on its cords so that it hangs at the top of its travel with potential energy m g h. When released, it falls and spins at the same time, and the potential energy lost appears as kinetic energy of translation, 1/2 m v^2, and of rotation, 1/2 I w^2. Because much of the energy goes into rotation, the disc falls with an acceleration much smaller than g.
At the bottom the cords are fully unwound and the spinning disc winds itself up again, climbing back almost to its starting height. Each rise is a little lower than the last, and the loss shows the small amount of energy converted to heat by friction and air resistance.
- Wind the cords evenly on the axle of the disc so that it rises to the top and hangs level.
- Release the disc and watch it fall and spin, then climb back up.
- Time the fall over a measured height h to find the acceleration from a = 2h/t^2.
- Compare the energy lost, m g h, with the kinetic energy at the bottom and discuss where the difference goes.
Key features
- Classic Maxwell disc apparatus for energy-conservation demonstrations
- Shows potential energy converting to translational and rotational kinetic energy
- Disc descends and rotates on its suspension cords
- Repeated rise and fall makes energy losses easy to see
- Suited to mechanics lessons on energy, rotation and moment of inertia
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Maxwell Wheel at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Applied Mechanics products
- Wheel and Axle, on Stand (EL-AM-10334)
- Whirling Table (EL-AM-10336)
- Universal Force Table (EL-AM-10333)
- Moments Disc Apparatus (EL-AM-10332)
- Fletcher Trolley (EL-AM-10331)
- Parallelogram Force Apparatus (EL-AM-10330)
The full range is in the Applied Mechanics section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Maxwell Wheel demonstrate?
The law of conservation of energy: as the disc descends on its cords, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of translation and rotation.
Why does the Maxwell disc climb back up?
At the bottom of its fall the spinning disc rewinds the cords on its axle, turning kinetic energy back into potential energy; each rise is slightly lower because of friction.
What is the price of the Maxwell Wheel?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Maxwell Wheel to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-AM-10335 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Maxwell Wheel?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Maxwell Wheel at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-AM-10335.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-AM-10335 and the quantity, or add the Maxwell Wheel to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
