If a spinning top is is spinning in place is the spinning top moving?

  • Thread starter Thread starter accelerate23
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spinning
AI Thread Summary
A spinning top, when spinning in place, exhibits angular momentum and energy despite having no linear momentum. The perception of movement is dependent on the observer's frame of reference; from the Earth's perspective, the top is spinning, while from the top's perspective, the Earth appears to be spinning around it. This illustrates the concept of relative motion in physics. The discussion highlights the distinction between linear and angular momentum in relation to kinetic energy. Understanding these principles clarifies how motion is perceived differently based on the observer's position.
accelerate23
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Just in case this is confusing: I am talking about the toy (spinning top).
I know that this has something to do with kinetic energy but I just don't know how to explain it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Assuming it is spinning exactly in place with no movement whatsoever, it has no momentum, but it does have angular momentum, which carries with it angular velocity and energy.
 
That all depends on your frame of reference. If your on frame of reference is Earth the top is spinning. If your frame of reference is the top then the Earth is spinning around the top.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
710
Replies
1
Views
654
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top