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Tippe Top (Wood)

Tippe Top (Wood)

    This spinning top has a surprising behavior. When spun, it will invert itself to spin upside down until it loses momentum. This interesting gyroscopic effect is generally credited to surface friction. This small friction causes a torque which gradually rotates the sphere on a second axis and forces it up onto the stem. Note the direction of rotation before and after it flips.

    This wood version is perfect for children. Available in unfinished wood or painted red. Also available in machined and polished aluminum.

    Tippe tops (also known as flip over tops) were originally invented in 1950 by the Danish engineer Werner Ostberg. His inspiration came from a visit to South America where he had seen local people playing with a small round fruit. When they turned it by the stalk like an old-fashioned spinning top, it would spin for a second and then invert and spin on the stalk.

    Diameter: 31mm (1.25")
    Height: 43mm (1.7")

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      Kids' Stuff | Physics | Physicsfun |

      Customer Reviews

      Based on 2 reviews
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      A
      A.P. (Florida, United States)
      Simple but amazing top

      When I first spun the top and watched it spin, then wobble, then flip; I literally clapped with delight. What a funny effect from such a simple object.

      A
      A.A. (Texas, United States)
      Great stocking stuffer

      These are such fun little tops that made a great stocking stuffer!

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