Fidget Spinner

toys · physics · trending

What it does. A fidget spinner is a toy with a ball bearing in the middle and weighted arms that you flick to make it spin super fast. It keeps rotating for a surprisingly long time because of basic physics like angular momentum and low-friction motion.

The big craze. Fidget spinners exploded in popularity in 2017, with kids and adults everywhere trying to spin them and do tricks. They were everywhere, at home, at school, and even on playgrounds.

The promise. People said fidget spinners could help with stress relief and help kids with ADHD or autism focus better. However, scientists studied this and found there wasn't real evidence to back up these claims.

The problems. While some people loved fidget spinners, others had concerns about them causing classroom disruptions and some safety issues. The craze eventually cooled down as people moved on to other things.

How it works. Fidget spinners use simple mechanical principles like angular momentum and low-friction motion to spin smoothly. Most are made from plastic or metal, making them lightweight and easy to hold.