Gyroscopic precession is the phenomenon where a spinning object, when subjected to an external torque, will experience a change in the orientation of its rotational axis perpendicular to the direction of the applied torque. This behavior is a result of the conservation of angular momentum and is fundamental in understanding the dynamics of rotating bodies in physics and engineering applications.

Gyroscopic Precession

Gyroscopic precession

spinning object

external torque

orientation of its rotational axis

direction of the applied torque

Conservation of angular momentum states that if no external torque acts on a system, the total angular momentum of the system remains constant. This principle is crucial in understanding the rotational motion of objects, from the spinning of planets to the operation of machinery.

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