PURPOSE: To illustrate gyroscopic precession in a surprising way.
DESCRIPTION: Spin the wheel, then hang it from the end of the rope with the rope vertical and the wheel axel in a horizontal orientation. It will precess with the rope remaining vertical.
SUGGESTIONS: Set up the students for this by showing them this same bicycle wheel gyroscope on a rigid pivot. Then ask them if one of the conditions to obtain precession might be a strong, rigid pivot!
EQUIPMENT: Bicycle wheel gyroscope and wheel.
SETUP TIME: None.
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