FORCES & MOTION

What Happens When a Spinning Skater Pulls Her Arms In?

A young skater spins on one skate with arms stretched wide. Look closely — what might matter?

A spinning skater pulls inward without kicking. What can her changing shape do to the spin?

A spinner keeps its spin-amount unless something outside twists it.

A skater turns inside one unbroken gold ring of spin.

No outside twist means the spinner keeps the same total spin-amount.

Distance from the center changes how much each equal block resists turning.

Tap equal blocks from near to far. Farther blocks count much more against turning.

Move equal blocks and compare turn-resistance with same-spin speed.

blocks near centerblocks near rim

Two matched four-block platforms begin identically at the rim.

Two platforms start with four equal blocks at the rim and the same spin. Their final routes differ.

Same start. Four equal blocks. Two new final arrangements.

Both platforms start alike. Which one spins faster after the blocks move?