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Chapter 11: Problem 12

Why is it easier to balance a basketball on your finger if it's spinning?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A spinning basketball is easier to balance because of the principles of angular momentum and gyroscopic stability. The spinning creates angular momentum that according to the conservation of angular momentum principle, remains constant if no external forces are applied. This leads to gyroscopic stability, which resists changes to the orientation of the spinning ball, helping it stay balanced.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding angular momentum

Angular momentum is a measure of the quantity of rotation of a body. It depends on the rotation speed and the distribution of mass of the body. In the context of a spinning basketball, the spinning motion generates angular momentum.
02

Exploring gyroscopic stability

A spinning object, like a basketball, exhibits gyroscopic stability. This effectively resists changes in its orientation. When one tries to balance a basketball on their finger, the spinning motion provides stability by resisting the tendency to fall in any one direction.
03

Discussing the conservation of angular momentum

The principle of the conservation of angular momentum states that if there are no external torques acting on a system, the total angular momentum remains constant. In the case of the spinning basketball, barring any external forces, the spinning motion would continue and the basketball remains balanced.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Show that \(\vec{A} \cdot(\vec{A} \times \vec{B})=0\) for any vectors \(\vec{A}\) and \(\vec{B}\).

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