A spinning gyroscope resists changes to its axis of rotation due to the conservation of angular momentum.
The precession of a gyroscope occurs when an external torque is applied, causing the axis of rotation to move in a circular motion.
The rate of precession is inversely proportional to the angular momentum of the gyroscope and directly proportional to the applied torque.
In physics equations, precession rate can be calculated using $\Omega = \frac{\tau}{L}$, where $\Omega$ is the precession rate, $\tau$ is the applied torque, and $L$ is the angular momentum.
Gyroscopes are commonly used in navigation systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and ships due to their ability to maintain orientation.
Review Questions
What principle allows a gyroscope to resist changes in its orientation?
How does applying an external torque affect a gyroscope's axis of rotation?
What factors determine the rate of precession in a gyroscope?
A measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate. It is calculated as the product of force and lever arm distance from the pivot point.