- #1
Rockazella
- 96
- 0
I'm not sure what this behavior is technically called, but why do spinning tops (or anything else with some angular momentum) react to forces put on them 90 degrees later?
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
Three things are mysteries, yea three things I know not: the way of particles when entangled, the way of the universe when accelerated and the way of a top when forced.
Spin tops are typically made of materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. The top portion is usually made of a denser material, while the bottom is made of a lighter material to aid in the spinning motion.
Spin tops work by utilizing the principle of gyroscopic precession. When a force is applied to the top, it begins to spin and the axis of rotation starts to tilt. This causes a reaction force that keeps the top upright and allows it to spin for a longer period of time.
This is due to the angle of precession, which is determined by the ratio of the top's height to its radius. In most spin tops, this ratio is close to 1:1, resulting in a precession angle of 90°.
No, spin tops cannot defy gravity. They may appear to do so when they are spinning, but they are still affected by gravity and will eventually fall over due to friction and other forces.
There are a few ways to make your spin top spin longer. First, make sure the surface you are spinning it on is smooth and flat. You can also try adding weight to the top, as this will increase its inertia and allow it to spin for a longer period of time. Additionally, practicing your spinning technique and finding the right balance between spin and tilt can also help extend the top's spinning time.