The Science Behind Fidget Spinners

Fidget spinners are extremely popular toys that seem to be everywhere! Today I dive into the physics behind these little toys, and what makes them spin so well.

Thank you so much for watching this video! If you would like to suggest a video idea please leave it in the comments, and if you enjoyed please like and subscribe! It was my pleasure to add a bit of science to your day!

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[mizzraika]

There's a toy shop near me that has "NO SPINNERS!" on a sign on the door. Couldn't stop laughing, because the corner shop across from it advertises spinners on a giant poster :P

[ricochetarms]

Have you ever heard of fluid film or hydrodynamic bearings? No rollers or balls are used, but instead is based heavily on fluid dynamics and the fluid boundary layer formed on the rotating shaft. They would never work in fidget spinners, but their working principle is super cool nonetheless!

[travisscavoni]

This was a better explanation than the video NBC put out today that I saw on MSN.

[amarflood]

My boys (9 and 6) loved your video. Looking forward to checking out more

[huibN]

When I saw you and Alex's videos next to each other I was hoping you guys collaborated.
I bet you came in contact after Alex his video came up on Tom Scotts channel.

Keep up the video's, they're awesome

[yukigamine]

Nice Pinewood Derby car you have there. I remember making many of those in my day. Great video on the physics of a fidget spinner!

[DomenBremecXCVI]

On one of your last videos I commented a wish for a collab between you two... Either you guys take viewers' wishes seriously or my timing was amazing.
Whatever the case might be, the video was great!

[KitBetts-Masters]

great video, I think you've made it really clear how the rotating masses contribute to greater angular momentum, this is something people get confused on!
not sure about the car bit though, in park is basically connected to the engine, so to move out you have to turn the engine, which takes a great deal of force.
really great stuff!

[Doctorpopets]

The major question is why there are ball bearings in the arms of the spinner. Would it be as effective if there were just solid pieces of metal of identical masses on periphery?

[joeschweitzer]

Chase. I learn a lot of things from your videos. Thanks for being a cool science kid. By the way, how did you get that spinner. I got mine from Amazon. But I here 711 sells them too. But I hope I can see you soon, I'm a huge fan

[upandatom]

This video looked fun to make (you and your friends pushing the car), very enjoyable :) also, what did you mean when you said most forms of rolling friction aren't friction at all?

[rudils]

Great content. I have a question on fidget spinners, hope you can help me with it. What is the reason why a fidget spinner doesn't spin as long on other angles as on a 0 degree angle ? I understand it has to do with friction on the ball bearings, but do you perhaps have a better explanation for this ?

[ayounglivelysoulinanoldtir]

all the while i was listening to this, i was twerling a fidget spinner!!!

[omarj]

What goes faster/longer, horizontal or vertical spinners?

[HeeminGaminStation]

The people teamed up with Tom are in Cahiots!!

[Cadwaladr]

In the video about rolling resistance I hope you talk about trains a bit. I like trains.

[vibraphonics]

I submitted English closed captions for this video if you want to use them :)

[meeharbin]

Not the same amount of force, to spin the middle takes significantly less force. I think you meant same speed.

[ryklatortuga]

Banned for torqueing in class... seems pretty reasonable of the school really.  - Great Vid!

[angelinaalsip]

Did you guys see his eyebrows go up every second?