q323.htm

Question #323

Shown in the picture at the left below is a small mushroom-shaped wooden object called a "tippe top."

I will hold the tippe top by the stem with the head of the mushroom pointed down, spin it, and release it onto the table top.

What will happen?

(a) The top will fall off the table.
(b) The top will continue to spin in this orientation and then come to rest.
(c) The top will rotate wildly in all directions because of its complicated moment of inertia components.
(d) The top will turn upside-down and rotate on the tip of its stem.
(e) The top will begin to rock randomly and stop.

Click here for Answer #323 after October 13, 2008.

For questions and comments regarding the Question of the Week contact Dr. Richard E. Berg by e-mail or using phone number or regular mail address given on the Lecture-Demonstration Home Page.