Maxwell Wheel

The Maxwell wheel is an instrument used to demonstrate the process of converting gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy while keeping the total amount of mechanical energy constant. Rotate the rolling pendulum to raise and store a certain amount of potential energy. When rolling and falling, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and the rotational speed gradually increases. When the suspension line is completely released, the rolling motion drops to the lowest point, the rotational angular velocity and descending translational velocity reach their maximum values, and the kinetic energy is maximized. As the rolling pendulum continues to rotate, it begins to wrap around the suspension and rise again, converting kinetic energy into potential energy. When it reaches a height similar to before, the kinetic energy is zero and the potential energy is at its maximum. If there is no resistance, due to the conservation of mechanical energy, the height of each rise of the rolling pendulum is the same. But in the actual motion process, friction consumes energy, and eventually the rolling stops rolling.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.