Metacafe Header Takeover

Discrepant Event-The Rattleback

Tags:
Chemistry Physics Science Experiments Demonstrations Demo Top Spinning Discrepant Events
kentchemistry.com
  • International International
  • Comments: 4
  • Views: 15,400
  • Added: 23-Jan-08

A rattleback, also known as an "anagyre", "celt", "Celtic stone", "rattlerock", "spin bar", "wobble stone" or "wobblestone" and by the product names "ARK," "Bizzaro Swirls," "RATTLEBACKS," "Space Pet" and "Space Toy," is a semi-ellipsoidal top which will spin on its axis in a preferred direction. But, if spun in the opposite direction, it becomes unstable, "rattles", stops and reverses its spin to the preferred direction.

This spin-reversal motion seems, at first sight, to violate the angular-momentum conservation law of physics. Moreover, for most rattlebacks, the motion will happen when the rattleback is spun in one direction, but not when spun in the other. These two peculiarities make the rattleback a physical curiosity that has excited human imagination since prehistorical times.

  1. Categories: Entertainment, Science & Tech
  2. Related Link: More Of Kent's Movies
Comments on

Discrepant Event-The Rattleback

4 Comments | Add Comment
  • hey

    whats that black thing in the background which is floating and spinning? could you tell me the name ?where did ya buy it?

    By shungun 1211972491 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • These are unique

    We purchased a set of these rattle backs. They are neet! cheep from a toy store.

    By 200sx 1201122027 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • Why do they only go one way....

      WHY ONLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE...
      tell us why Please..???? clock wise only..
      Thanks.

      By villagefem 1202493399 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • The shape

      They have a slight curve that is almost un-noticable. When it turns one way there is a bit of resistance which causes it to wobble and slow. When spun in the direction of the shifted balance it spins freely. To sum it up, the shape is not perfect so it wont spin easily one way.

      By 200sx 1202779011 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
4 Comments | Add Comment