PhiTOP Stress Relieving Ellipsoid Spinning Top Physics Marvel and Optics Art by PhiTOP

Description

Place the thumb of one hand on one side of the long axis and the index finger
of your other hand on the opposite side of this top. Now spin it on the
included 3.5” mirror. With practice, this solid aluminum 2” top will
amazingly stand up on one end! Experiment with physics and electrodynamics
while creating fascinating optical effects. The Science Behind the PhiTOP
Dynamics The physics of the rise of the center of mass of spinning objects has
been analyzed by physicists for over 150 years. It is quite complex. The
effect can be seen using spinning rocks, nuts and even chicken eggs (if they
are hard boiled). The PhiTOP optimizes the effect by employing a prolate
ellipsoid shape. Electrodynamics Although the PhiTOP is made of sold non-
magnetic aluminum, by bringing a magnet (not included) near to it while
spinning upright, the PhiTOP will fall down. This is a nice example of Lenzâ€s
law. It is the inverse of Nicola Teslaâ€s “Egg of Columbus” demonstration
that played an important role in the in the triumph of AC over DC at the end
of the 19th century. That demonstration used a three phase AC current to
produce a time varying magnetic field which would spin up a metal shaped
object. Lissajous Figures As this top begins to settle down in its motion, if
there are lights sitting above it, the images reflected off the surface take
on beautiful time varying patterns. These are examples of “Lissajous”
figures. They are usually produced by the use of oscilloscopes, or by
employing coupled pendulums in a device called a “harmonograph”.

Features:

Product Details:

• Product Dimensions: 2 x 1.25 x 1.25 inches
• Item Weight: 2.72 ounces
• Item model number: PhiTOP
• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
• Manufacturer: Sirius Enigmas