Science in Toyland
Tournament of Tops
Build a super spinner!
Why do some tops spin longer than others?
Build a top with parts of different sizes and
weights and see how long your top will spin.
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Which spins longer, a heavier top or a lighter top?
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Does it matter if the weight is placed higher or lower?
Tops stay upright because they spin fast. When
they slow down they wobble and all over.
Tops slow down because of friction with the air,
the table surface and other tops if they bump
each other.
Gyroscopes and yo-yos are super spinners, too. These are
excellent ways to learn about inertia, center of gravity
and angular momentum.
Science in Toyland was created by the California Museum of
Science and Industry,
with support from members of the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative.
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Revised on September 1, 1996 by mcb