Why Do Things Spin? Solar Systems, Planets, Galaxies

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Objects spin due to the application of an off-center force, which creates torque and leads to rotational motion. This is analogous to how forces cause objects to move in straight lines rather than just curving. The principle of conservation of angular momentum plays a crucial role in maintaining an object's spin once it has started. Understanding these concepts clarifies why celestial bodies like solar systems and galaxies exhibit spinning behavior. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the fundamental physics behind rotational dynamics.
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Solar systems, planets, spiral galaxies. (Atoms?) What causes objects to spin, rather than just wobble around?
 
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Welcome to PF.

What does "wobble around" mean? If something has a force applied offcenter, it spins because of the uncentered force. I'm not sure quite how else to explain it.
 
I share russ's confusion with the term "wobble" but I think the answer to this analogous question might help:

Why do things move in a straight line rather than just curve around?

Of course, the answer to this is that any curving motion requires a force to be acting. The situation is the same for rotational motion.
 
Conservation of angular momentum.
 
resaypi said:
Conservation of angular momentum.


Thank you, that makes perfect sense.
 

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