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Gyroscope Precession
AP Physics C · Mechanics — Angular Momentum
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Learning Objectives
Understand torque-induced precession of a spinning wheel
Calculate precession rate: Ω = τ/(Iω) = mgr/(Iω)
Relate angular momentum direction to precession direction
Visualize L vector tracing out a cone
Key Equations
τ = r × F = mgr
Ω = τ/(Iω) = mgr/(Iω)
dL/dt = τ
Faster spin → slower precession
Tags
gyroscope
precession
angular momentum
torque
AP Physics C
Ω_prec
0 rad/s
T_prec
0 s
Spin Speed ω (rad/s)
50
Mass m (kg)
2.0
Arm Length r (m)
0.2
Disk Radius R (m)
0.1
Derived Values
I (kg·m²)
0
τ (N·m)
0
L (kg·m²/s)
0
Ω_prec
0
Quick Quiz
If the spin speed doubles, the precession rate:
Halves
Doubles
Stays same
Quadruples