Standing Top

DCS Code: 1Q60.15 Last Updated: March 27, 2026
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Purpose

A pump-action spinning top demonstrates rotational stability: angular momentum allows the top to balance on its point when spinning rapidly but not when stationary. Students observe precession and nutation as the top slows.

Large colorful pump-action spinning top with concentric rainbow rings, blue conical sections, and a red pump handle, spinning on a small contact point
Figure 1: The choral top, spun by pumping the red handle. The rainbow rings make the rotation and any precession or wobble easy to see.