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Gömböc
This is a shape that has only two equilibrium points—one stable and one unstable, instead of the usual minimum of 4. It is self-righting no matter how you set it down.
Posted 4 years ago by JPNch1 in category: science
Comments (4)
heftygrain - 4 years ago [ Reply ]
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Ugh, these videos are semi-cool and all, but I can't stand this voice.

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Noemoc - 4 years ago [ Reply ]
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I don’t understand what it means that there are is only one unstable equilibrium point. There is only one point (other than its stable equilibrium point) on which I could balance it on a windless day with enough effort? Would have like to see a bit more explanation on where that point is. Or maybe I missed it. Or maybe I am just dumb. Nah, that can’t be it.

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Noemoc - 4 years ago
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  He does show it at 2:42. I guess it is just not obvious you could not carefully balance it anywhere else. I’ll just take it on faith. Apologies to the internet for wasting your time and bandwidth with this question.  
spydyrman - 4 years ago
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  He makes so no effort to distinguish between multiple unstable points and a single one. The paper towel roll example would end up in the same position if he had simply let it go, the single "stable" point. What does the Gomboc do differently? Does equal density factor into this? 

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