PURPOSE: To illustrate precession and nutation with a precision gyroscope.

DESCRIPTION: A string should be cut about 1m long and then tied in a loop. Place end of string over pin on pulley right behind the gyroscope spindle. Wrap string onto pulley. Grasp axel with one hand and pull the string with the other to spin gyro. Carefully adjust masses on the axel to balance the gyroscope. You can use a small stick to apply a force down or across on the axel. Adjust the mass to unbalance the gyro and demonstrate precession. Place the gyroscope on a rotation platform to demonstrate that the angular momentum vector doesn’t change with the changing orientation of the table..

SUGGESTIONS:

EQUIPMENT: Gyroscope, rotational platform and string

SETUP TIME: 30 minutes

KEYWORDS: gyroscope