spinning top

A spinning top is a toy or device that, when spun rapidly on a surface, maintains its upright position due to rotational inertia and gyroscopic stability. As it spins, the angular momentum resists tipping over, causing the top to stay balanced temporarily. Over time, friction and air resistance slow down the spin, causing the top to wobble and eventually fall. The physics behind this involves the principles of angular momentum, torque, and energy conservation, making the spinning top a practical demonstration of rotational dynamics.