On a Dynamical Top, for exhibiting the phenomena of the motion of a system of invariable form about a fixed point, with some suggestions as to the Earth's motionMaxwell, James Clerk
Science
On a Dynamical Top, for exhibiting the phenomena of the motion of a system of invariable form about a fixed point, with some suggestions as to the Earth's motion
Maxwell, James Clerk
Force and energy; Motion
Part Weight lb. oz. I. Body of the top-- Mean diameter of ring, 4
inches. Section of ring, $\frac{1}{3}$ inch square. The conical portion
rises from the upper and inner edge of the ring, a height of
$1\frac{1}{2}$ inches from the base. The whole body of the top
weighs 1 7 Each of the nine adjusting screws has its screw 1 inch
long, and the screw and head together weigh 1 ounce. The whole
weigh 9 II. Axle, &c.-- Length of axle 5 inches, of which
$\frac{1}{2}$ inch at the bottom is occupied by the steel point,
$3\frac{1}{2}$ inches are brass with a good screw turned on it, and the
remaining inch is of steel, with a sharp point at the top. The whole
weighs $1\frac{1}{2}$ The bob $B$ has a diameter of 1.4 inches,
and a thickness of .4. It weighs $2\frac{3}{4}$ The nuts $b$
and $c$, for clamping the bob and the body of the top on the axle, each
weigh $\frac{1}{2}$ oz. 1 Weight of whole
top 2 $5\frac{1}{4}$
The best arrangement, for general observations, is to have the disc of
card divided into four quadrants, coloured with vermilion, chrome
yellow, emerald green, and ultramarine. These are bright colours, and,
if the vermilion is good, they combine into a grayish tint when the
rotation is about the axle, and burst into brilliant colours when the
axis is disturbed. It is useful to have some concentric circles, drawn
with ink, over the colours, and about 12 radii drawn in strong pencil
lines. It is easy to distinguish the ink from the pencil lines, as they
cross the invariable axis, by their want of lustre. In this way, the
path of the invariable axis may be identified with great accuracy, and
compared with theory.
* 7th May 1857. The paragraphs marked thus have been rewritten since the
paper was read.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account