What mainly keeps a fast-spinning top from falling over?
AnswerIts angular momentum
A spinning top's angular momentum resists changes to the direction of its spin axis, keeping it upright.
Science · Facts & stats
Top facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about spinning tops, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Why does a spinning top eventually slow down and fall?
AnswerFriction with the surface and air slows its spin
Friction at the tip and air resistance steadily drain the top's spin until it can no longer stay upright.
Going deeper
What is the slow circling wobble of a spinning top's axis called?
AnswerPrecession
Precession is the slow circular motion of a spinning object's axis caused by gravity's twisting force.
How is a traditional whip top kept spinning?
AnswerBy lashing it with a small whip or cord
Whip tops are set spinning and then kept going with repeated flicks of a short whip or cord.
How does a humming top make its sound?
AnswerAir moving through openings in its hollow body
Humming tops are hollow with slots or holes, and spinning drives air through them to create a hum or whistle.
Expert level
Earth's axis slowly precesses like a top. About how long is one full cycle?
AnswerAbout 26,000 years
Earth's axial precession takes roughly 26,000 years to trace one full circle.
What surprising move does a tippe top make while spinning?
AnswerIt flips over and spins on its stem
A tippe top starts on its round body, then friction makes it invert and spin on its short stem.
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