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Yo-Yo Physics Poster

The document discusses the physics behind how a yo-yo works. When the yo-yo falls down the string, its gravitational potential energy is transferred into linear and rotational kinetic energy. When it reaches the bottom, the linear kinetic energy is lost but the rotational kinetic energy remains, allowing the yo-yo to spin. Flicking the string transfers the rotational kinetic energy back into linear kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy to lift the yo-yo back up the string. The yo-yo remains stable during this process due to gyroscopic forces resisting changes to its axis of rotation.

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69 views1 page

Yo-Yo Physics Poster

The document discusses the physics behind how a yo-yo works. When the yo-yo falls down the string, its gravitational potential energy is transferred into linear and rotational kinetic energy. When it reaches the bottom, the linear kinetic energy is lost but the rotational kinetic energy remains, allowing the yo-yo to spin. Flicking the string transfers the rotational kinetic energy back into linear kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy to lift the yo-yo back up the string. The yo-yo remains stable during this process due to gyroscopic forces resisting changes to its axis of rotation.

Uploaded by

CaveyCoUk
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Yo-yo Physics

Investigations
Wind the yo-yo up. Holding the end of the string, let it fall, unwinding as it goes. What forms of energy is the energy being transferred between? When it sleeps at the bottom, where did the energy go? Before the yo-yo stops spinning, flick the string lightly (this might take a bit of practice). Does the Yo-yo move back up the string? Where did this energy come from?

Whats going on?


On the surface, the yo-yo is an incredibly simple toy - it's really nothing but a spool attached to a length of string. At the top, the yo-yo has gravitational potential energy (G.P.E.). As it falls, the G.P.E. is transferred into two forms of Kinetic Energy Linear Kinetic Energy and Rotational Kinetic Energy. When the yo-yo reaches the end of the string, it can't fall any farther and the Linear K.E. is lost to factors such as heating the string. The rotational K.E. is not lost when the yo-yo sleeps it continues to spin. When you flick the string, it catches and climbs back up the string, converting the rotational K.E. into linear K.E. and G.P.E. The yo-yo is stable as it acts as a gyroscope, resisting change to the axis of rotation because the object is rotating. If you push on a point at the top of a spinning wheel, for example, that point moves around to the other side of the wheel while it is still feeling the force you applied. As the point of force keeps moving, the force eventually balances itself out.

Have you ever thought about..


If you reduce the friction between the string and the axle, how long could a yo-yo spin for? If you make a yo-yo heavier, would it move faster, slower or the same? Would it spin differently?

Did you know


Yo-yos were used as a toy by the Greeks and Chinese over 2,500 years ago. Yo-yos that sleep were first developed in the Philippines where Yo-yo translates to "come back.

Relevant Physics
GCSE P1.2.1 Energy Transfers and Efficiency, P2.1 Forces and their effects, P2.2 Kinetic Energy A-Level 1.3.2 kinetic and potential energies, 4.1.1 Newtons Laws of motion, 4.2.1 Circular Motion

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