Exploring Forces with Spinning Tops

Front

What is a force?

Back

A force is a push or pull that can change the motion of an object.

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object, making it slow down or stop.

Front

What does it mean for an object to spin?

Back

To spin means to rotate around a central point or axis.

Front

What is the purpose of an experiment?

Back

The purpose of an experiment is to test a hypothesis or to find out how something works.

Front

How does weight affect a spinning top?

Back

The weight of a top can affect how long it spins; heavier tops may spin differently than lighter ones.

Front

What is a hypothesis?

Back

A hypothesis is an educated guess about what you think will happen in an experiment.

Front

What is the role of a smooth surface in spinning?

Back

A smooth surface reduces friction, allowing the top to spin longer.

Front

What is the importance of repeating trials in an experiment?

Back

Repeating trials helps ensure that the results are reliable and accurate.

Front

What can you observe when a top spins?

Back

You can observe the direction it spins, how long it spins, and when it falls.

Front

What is the average in terms of spinning time?

Back

The average is the sum of all recorded times divided by the number of trials.