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The physics of articulated toys—a jumping and rotating kangaroo
Authors: J. Güémez, M Fiolhais
Ref.: Eur. J. Phys 35, 045018 (2014)
Abstract: We describe the physics of an articulated toy with an internal source of energy provided by a spiral spring. The toy is a funny low cost kangaroo which jumps and rotates. The study consists of a mechanical and a thermodynamical analysis which makes use of the Newton and center of mass equations, the rotational equations and the first law of thermodynamics. This amazing toy provides a nice demonstrative example how new physics insights can be brought about when links with thermodynamics are established in the study of mechanical systems.
