Is Friction the Reason Spinning Tops Eventually Stop Rotating?

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Friction is identified as the external torque that causes a spinning top to eventually stop rotating, despite Newton's law stating that an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force. The interaction between the top and the surface it spins on creates friction at the point of contact, which is not negligible. This frictional force gradually reduces the top's angular velocity until it ceases to spin. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding friction's role in rotational motion. Ultimately, friction is a key factor in the cessation of a spinning top's movement.
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As per Newton an object that is rotating at constant angular velocity will remain rotating unless it is acted upon by an external torque.

But we know that a top will stop rotating after some time. So does that mean that the external torque is the friction of the floor on which the top rotates?
 
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Yes, Because the point of contact between the spinning top and the surface is not an infinitesimal point.
 
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