Rattleback

Give this little oddity a spin on its horizontal axis, and watch it stop, and reverse!
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SKU:
56001
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A science curiosity whose ancient and mysterious properties capture the imagination of all ages. Give this little oddity a spin on its horizontal axis, and watch. If spun in the non-preferred direction, the Rattleback becomes unstable, "rattles", stops, and unbelievably, reverses its spin to the preferred direction. Spooky... Does the Rattleback really violate the angular-momentum conservation law of physics, like it seems to?

Age: 7+

What you get

One coloured Rattleback. Colours vary.

How does it work?

The Rattleback has a very specific shape - flat on top and an asymmetrical ellipsoidal bottom - which is believed to cause its curious preferential spinning. Its motion has been studied by many scientists, but the exact reason for the Rattleback's odd behaviour remains ellusive. The best explanation is that the long axis of the ellipsoid is not parallel to the long axis of the flat top - hence its predisposition to spinning in one direction. Some exceptional rattlebacks will mysteriously reverse when spun in either direction. Go figure!?

Originally made from wood with decorative carvings and patterns, this modern Rattleback is made from brightly coloured, smooth acrylic. Rattlebacks have all sorts of myths associated with them, and are also known as an "anagyre", "celt", "Celtic stone", "rebellious celt", "rattlerock", "spin bar", "wobble stone" or "wobblestone". The rattleback has excited human imagination since prehistoric times, so let it excite and inspire you!

Teach

  • Flight Dynamics (Rolling and Pitching)
  • Force and movement

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

More Information
Length (cm) 9
Width (cm) 2
Height (cm) 18
Age Group 5-6 Years, 7-8 Years, 9-10 Years
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