Book 3, Question 114 · Video
Why Does a Yo-Yo Come Back?
A yo-yo doesn't come back by magic. It comes back because of stored-up spin! The string wraps around a little rod called an axle, and the spinning discs can wind that string right
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does a yo-yo come back?
The Big Idea
A yo-yo doesn't come back by magic. It comes back because of stored-up spin! The string wraps around a little rod called an axle, and the spinning discs can wind that string right back up. Let's find out how it works, in three easy steps!
Step 1
Step one: you throw it down! A flick of your wrist makes the two discs spin fast, while the string unwinds from the axle. It's just like a spinning top that keeps on going!
Step 2
Step two: the spin gets stored! At the bottom of the string, the discs are still spinning really fast. That spin is stored energy, like a battery for motion! Physics is pretty sneaky, isn't it?
Step 3
Step three: the string rewinds! A little tug tightens the string loop, so it grabs the axle. Then the stored spin winds the string up, and the yo-yo climbs home! That's how a yo-yo travels down and back again!
A Closer Look
Let's look inside a yo-yo! Two discs make the body, and they hold the spin. The axle is the little rod in the middle, and the string loops around it. The gap between the discs is where the string winds up. Every part has an important job to do!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A tight winding climbs back sooner, and a looser loop lets the yo-yo sleep longer. Heavier rims keep the spin going longer. The first yo-yos were carved from wood, and many today are metal or plastic. Practice in an open room, with a grown-up nearby, so it doesn't hit any lamps.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! First, wind the string tight around the axle, and throw the yo-yo. Then wind the string loosely, and throw it again. Which one sleeps at the bottom? And what did the loop change? Scientists always write down what they see. Have fun!
Outro
Spin makes the yo-yo come home. Keep on wondering! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!