Why Does a Tippe Top Lift Off the Ground When Spun Quickly?

AI Thread Summary
A Tippe top lifts off the ground when spun quickly due to the conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy. As it spins, the top reorients itself, allowing it to achieve a more stable position with its stem pointing downward. This process does not involve levitation but rather a change in orientation that increases its potential energy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the physics behind the motion and stability of the Tippe top. Theoretical explanations and equations related to this phenomenon are sought for a deeper understanding.
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Homework Statement


1. Homework Statement
Why when a Tippe top is spun with high angular velocity, it spins until it lifts its body of the top off the ground with its stem pointing downward?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The only reason I could think of was that it's kinetic energy is converted to potential energy, is this idea correct? could somebody please give me a theoretical explanation and also with equations?
 
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i would like to find an answer to this one too...
 
Have you done the obvious? Look at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippe_top
The thing doesn't levitate; it just reorients using kinetic energy to achieve a second stable condition with more potential energy.
 
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