The Science Behind the Spin: The Physics of Spinning Tops Explained
WEBJan 26, 2022 · When you spin a top into motion—whether by hand or a string—you are applying a force that causes the top’s potential energy (energy at rest) into kinetic energy (energy in motion). As the top spins, it turns on an invisible vertical axis.
The basic physics of spinning tops - Scovie Precision Turning
WEBAs a spinning top slows and gravitational torque comes into play, the top’s angular momentum decreases. When it loses enough angular momentum, it falls. The decrease in angular momentum creates a phenomenon known as precession .
What is the physics of a spinning top? - Physics Network
WEBMay 25, 2023 · Why does a spinning top not fall? If the top were not spinning the torque due to gravitational force will tend to lower down the centre of mass and hence, the top would have fallen. However, in case of spinning top, the torque being engaged in producing precession is unable to topple down the top.
Precession of Spinning Top - HyperPhysics
WEBSpin a top on a flat surface, and you will see it's top end slowly revolve about the vertical direction, a process called precession. As the spin of the top slows, you will see this precession get faster and faster. It then begins to bob up and down as it precesses, and finally falls over.
SPINNING TOPS - The University of Sydney
WEBA spinning top precesses slowly around a vertical axis through its point of support while it spins rapidly about its own axis. The usual explanation is that the change in angular momentum must be in the same direction as the torque on the top – …
Why don't spinning tops fall over? - Physics Stack Exchange
WEBThe quick answer is that, for the top to fall over due to gravity, each fragment of the top that is moving around the spin axis has to change its individual direction of movement. They are already changing direction around the spin axis, due the rigidity of the top keeping them moving in a circle.
How do you explain spinning tops to a nine year old?
WEBWhen a forward moving bicycle rider starts falling to the right, the wheel turns such as to bring the bicycle underneath the falling rider and it the process restores his position. When a spinning top starts to tilt, the point in contact with the supporting surface shifts away from the axis causing the top to roll.
Hugh Hunt - Cambridge University - Why does a spinning top …
WEBWhat stops a spinning top from falling over? All we need to show is that the force of gravity is insufficient to cause the top to fall. 1. The only force acting to push the top over is gravity. 2. First think what happens when the top is not spinning.
Q: What keeps spinning tops upright? - Ask a Mathematician / …
WEBJan 22, 2012 · In order for a top to fall over its angular momentum needs to go from pointing vertically (either up or down, depending on which direction it’s spinning) to pointing sideways. So, in a cheating nutshell, tops stay upright …
How To Hit Topspin In Tennis by Rolling the Ball
WEBMar 29, 2014 · To summarize, rolling the ball on the ground simulates the correct way of hitting a topspin forehand or backhand because the movement is dynamic and not broken down into segments that prevent racquet lag and, therefore, good acceleration.
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