The Book that Shows that Spin is All Around Us

The Science of Spin

How Rotational Forces Affect Everything from Jet Engines to the Weather

The mechanics of rotational motion is largely ignored in science education, leaving even physicists baffled by the behaviour of spinning objects. Yet as The Science of Spin shows, rotation is fundamental to our lives. I explain how spin helped create the solar system, black holes and galaxies, and show that it is thanks to spin that the universe is here at all. I explain how the spin of the earth creates its magnetic field and diverts the winds in our atmosphere, preserving life and making our planet a lovely place on which to live. I relate how the wheels and rotating machinery we invented have enabled us to dominate the world and live safe, comfortable lives. And I point out that our bodies themselves are connected by a series of rotating joints. We use clever aspects of rotational mechanics to balance, move around and use our tools without even knowing it. Spin is all around us.