Physics merry-go-round

HOW

1. Stand on the edge of the stationary merry-go-round.
2. Start walking along its perimeter.
3. Stop. Change the direction of movement to the opposite.
4. Stand on the edge of the merry-go-round. Ask to get it moving. Pay attention to the position you have to assume.
5. Try to walk along the diameter of the spinning merry-go-round.

WHY

When you go one way, the merry-go-round spins in the opposite direction. There is no external force involved. Therefore, the physical quantity called angular momentum must be conserved and equal to 0. As a result of this principle, the merry-go-round spins.

In order to stay on the spinning platform, you have to lean into the centre of it. This position helps to
balance the forces acting on your body in rotation. Passing along the diameter of the rotating merry-go-round is difficult. When the device spins, the Coriolis force acts on your body. Its direction, perpendicular to the walking path, makes it difficult for you to complete this task.