This marble top, when spun on its base, will tip itself over automatically and continue spinning on its stem. This behavior is caused by sliding friction effects with the ground.
HOW TO MAKE A TETRAHEDRON MARBLE TOP
Take 4 marbles and glue them together into two layers (see pic). Use a strong, quick-setting glue.
HOW TO SPIN YOUR TETRAHEDRON MARBLE TOP
Grab one marble between thumb and forefinger (see pic) and spin.
PHYSICS BEHIND TOPS … Spinning tops illustrate the concept angular momentum, which is the amount of rotation an object has based on shape, size, and speed. Tops spin indefinitely on a pointed axis until friction eventually kicks in and causes them to spin slower eventually losing enough speed to make them wobble and fall. Tops are also the most basic form of gyroscopes, spinning on one single axis.
SPINNING TOPS, GYROSCOPES & RATTLEBACKS
Explains the science behind spinning toys. Also shows you how to spin an egg.