i think it was like a momentum thing, with a similar concept to a newtons cradle. if you've seen the movie "Robots", it was part of the crosstown express where its a wheel running along to wires and it twists and whatnot. i know it was available to buy because my dad had one but he can't remember what it's called. anyone know what it was called?
2006-12-22 02:34:10 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Not like a rope and pulley, but it was a retro gadget that you can buy, its a single wheel that had to points on either side, these points would rest on two thin wires that would allow it to roll. it could roll forward and when it got to the end it would roll back on the other side of the wire. i'm not sure if it was magnetised or if it was done by forces
2006-12-22 03:10:17 · update #1
I think you are referring to -'Rope and Pulley' arrangement and the principle is used in many applications including hoists, elevators, lifts, winch etc.,
VR
2006-12-22 02:44:51 · answer #1 · answered by sarayu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yup, I remember playing with this thing too. See the website cited for a description. I remember it being difficult to use, requiring a deft hand to keep the wheel in motion without it falling off the wires, magnet or not. So it was a combination of gyroscopic forces and gravity with a minimal assist from a magnetized axle that kept the wheel in place. This toy wasn't as bad for a child's self-esteem as the one with two steel rods, fixed at one end but adjustable side-to-side, that you were supposed to manipulate to cause a steel ball to roll up the rods without dropping between them. I never did master that thing.
2006-12-22 12:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by hevans1944 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't want to give away my ancient nature, but I remember the toy you speak of well - check out this site for more information - I'm sure this is what you are describing:
http://www.tinmantintoys.com/oldfashion/gyroscope.html
2006-12-22 03:58:02 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was called a "Wheel-o."
"Wheel-o, wheel-o, whee it's a lot of fun!" I remember the commercial went.
Go to Ebay. Look for "whee-lo" (yes, they're putting the dash in a different place).
2006-12-22 06:06:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a gyroscope thingie.
2006-12-22 03:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by ZZ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋