Is Friction the Reason Spinning Tops Eventually Stop Rotating?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that friction is the primary reason spinning tops eventually stop rotating. According to Newton's laws, an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external torque. In the case of a spinning top, the friction between the top and the surface it rotates on acts as this external torque, causing the top to lose angular momentum over time. The point of contact is not infinitesimal, which allows friction to exert a significant effect on the top's rotation.

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avito009
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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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