Enforce clockwise spinning, but not counterclockwise

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of a spinning rod, specifically a rattleback, which exhibits a tendency to slow down and reverse direction when spun clockwise, while behaving as expected when spun counterclockwise. Participants explore the mechanics behind this phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the observed behavior of the rattleback when spun in different directions, noting the unexpected reversal when spun clockwise.
  • Another participant provides a link to a product page for the rattleback, suggesting it is intended for educational use and not as a toy.
  • A third participant identifies the object as a rattleback and humorously notes its non-edible nature.
  • Additional information is shared about making a rattleback from a spoon, indicating a DIY approach to understanding the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the identification of the object as a rattleback and its unique spinning behavior, but the underlying mechanics and explanations for the behavior remain unexplored and unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the detailed mechanics of the rattleback's behavior, as well as assumptions about the audience's familiarity with the physics involved.

nickek
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Hi!
I came across a toy, formed as a rod. When spinning that rod counterclockwise, the behavior is as expected. But turn the direction to clockwise spinning, it immediately slows down and ends up spinning counterclockwise.

See this YouTube clip. Anyone who has an explantation of this behavior?

14007360185_30788260bb_m_d.jpg


Thanks!
 
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Arbor Scientific.

This is what you bought.
http://www.arborsci.com/shop-by-topic/cool-tools/celt-rattleback
( See the notice on the bottom.)
Products being sold are not toys. They are for Educational / Laboratory use only. They are not for use by children 12 and under
Chuckle:bugeye:

You can get this one. See if you can try to figure out why it does that.
there is a video explanation.
http://www.arborsci.com/dynamic-celt
 
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It's a really cool toy* called a Rattleback: Rattleback

*(do not eat)
 
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So that is a Celtic Stone!

One of the links shows how to make your own from a spoon.
http://www.flinnsci.com/Documents/demoPDFs/PhysicalSci/PS10440.pdf

Great after dinner trick on the silverware.
 
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