Spinning Tops: Angular Momentum
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
Do taller tops spin faster or slower than a shorter one?
- Anonymous (age 21)
U.S.A
- Anonymous (age 21)
U.S.A
A:
That all depends on what you assume is the same for the two tops. For
example, if two tops, one short and one tall, are made of the same
material, and given the same spinning energy, the taller top will spin
slower than the shorter top. That’s because the taller one would need
more energy to spin at the same rate as the shorter one.
If you are spinning the tops by hand, it will depend on things like how good a grip you can get on the tops with your fingers. Unfortunately, we can’t figure that out from simple physics.
If you are spinning the tops by hand, it will depend on things like how good a grip you can get on the tops with your fingers. Unfortunately, we can’t figure that out from simple physics.
(published on 10/22/2007)