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I1-31. Rubber Band Engine

Purpose

To demonstrate the Feynman rubber band engine.

Equipment

Rubber band engine (rotor in refrigerator), variac and heater.

Images

I1-31

Description

Rubber bands form the spokes of a well-balanced wheel. When heated, the rubber bands contract, moving the center of mass of the wheel so that it is out of balance, causing the wheel to rotate.

References

George Calingaert, A Simple Demonstration of the Carnot Cycle, Journal of Chemical Education, August 1952, pp. 405-406.