Abstract
A TOP with a cross-section as shown in the accompanying diagram exhibits, when spinning on a horizontal plane, a surprising effect: the stem, which originally points upward, moves away from the vertical while continuing to rotate about this direction, until it touches the supporting plane; whereupon the top quickly rises on the stem and continues its rotation in this stable position. A similar behaviour is shown by a sphere consisting of two halves of different specific weight. If the initial angular velocity is large enough, the centre of gravity will rise until it reaches the highest position possible, the sphere then rotating about its axis of symmetry.
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Braams, C. M., Physica (in the press).
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BRAAMS, C. The Symmetrical Spherical Top. Nature 170, 31 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/170031a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/170031a0
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The Symmetrical Spherical Top
Nature (1952)
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