B Why does a spinning top balance better when it is spinning?

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A spinning top maintains balance due to gyroscopic stability, which allows it to resist tipping over when in motion. The discussion highlights confusion around terms like "rising ups," "eggs," and "frictions" in a video explaining this phenomenon. Participants suggest watching multiple videos on gyroscopic behavior to grasp the concept better, as it often contradicts intuition. There is also mention of subconscious messages in the video, indicating varying interpretations of its content. Overall, understanding the mechanics of a spinning top involves exploring different explanations to clarify its behavior.
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Christmas cracker spinning top makes me think it should fall over.
I took a spinning top out of a christmas cracker and watched it for a while. So I think a spinning top should just fall over like it does when it is at rest. Why does it "work"? It balances better when you spin it on its axis.
 
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This video should help you understand it.
 
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How should I understand it when she is talking about "rising ups", "eggs", "frictions" all the time...
 
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scottdave said:
This video should help you understand it.


What a great video! Thanks for sharing.
 
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zoki85 said:
How should I understand it when she is talking about "rising ups", "eggs", "frictions" all the time...
Have you watched this great clip to the end. It's very well explained!
 
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vanhees71 said:
Have you watched this great clip to the end. It's very well explained!
I'd guess it is but there were too many subliminal messages of a different kind so it was hard for me to follow...
 
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zoki85 said:
I'd guess it is but there were too many subliminal messages of a different kind so it was hard for me to follow...
Huh ? I'm not sure you understand that word.
 
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phinds said:
Huh ? I'm not sure you understand that word.
*subconscious* fits better perhaps
 
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zoki85 said:
*subconscious* fits better perhaps
So what are the subconscious messages in that video?
 
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zoki85 said:
How should I understand it when she is talking about "rising ups", "eggs", "frictions" all the time...
This was just one I picked. There are dozens of videos about gyroscopes. I would definitely watch several of them: gyroscopic behavior goes against our intuition. Watching several different people explain it in slightly different ways can help it to sink in.
 
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phinds said:
So what are the subconscious messages in that video?
@zoki85 I'm still waiting for your answer to this.
 
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1577483535300.png
 
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scottdave said:
This video should help you understand it.
Now I'm going to have to hard-boil an egg and try it out myself!
 
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