Christian+S13

Christian Sodano 2012-2013
 * THE STUDY OF TOPS SPINNING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES **


 * ABSTRACT **

The purpose of this study was to determine the different amounts of time tops spin on different surfaces. Tops spin on liquids as well as solids because the density of the top is less than the density of the liquid it is spinning on. Tops were spun on the surface being tested and timed to test how long they spin. It was determined that tops with sharp tips that were angled spun longer than tops that had round, dull tips. Tops with sharper tips create less friction on the surface they are spinning on therefore allowing it to spin a longer time before friction builds up.

**EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FUTURE EXPERIMENTS**

An improvement on the fourth experiment would be to use a different top than the Round Yellow top. This is because the round yellow top is the only top that spins longer in water than on tile, and using it in the fourth experiment would give the reader the idea that all tops spin longer in water which is no the case. A future experiment would be to test if tops spin on semi-solids, such as Jell-O.

To read the complete ISP paper for this experiment, click on the PDF file link below

