The document discusses the physics behind how a gyroscope works. It describes how a gyroscope is able to maintain its orientation due to the principle of conservation of angular momentum. When a force is applied to the axle of a spinning gyroscope, it undergoes precession rather than tilting in the direction of the applied force. This phenomenon occurs because the spinning gyroscope resists changes to its axis of rotation. Gyroscopes have practical applications in navigation systems to help keep airplanes and rockets on their intended course or orbit.

2. Conceptual

3. The gyroscope seems to be able to “defy gravity”. It is able to do so through precession.

4. Figure 2. A rotating gyroscope

5. In the wheel labelled 1, the gyroscope is rotating on its axis, while in the wheel labelled 2, a force is applied to try to rotate the spin axis. Lastly, in the wheel labelled 3, the gyroscope reacts to the applied force in an axis perpendicular to the applied force.

6. Figure 3. Graphical vector representation of the forces acting on the gyroscope after a force is applied on the axle

7. When the force is applied to the axle, the topmost point of the gyroscope will move to the left, and the lowest point of the gyroscope will move to the right (Fig. 3). This happens when the gyroscope because of Newton’s first law of motion.

8. Figure 4. The points still move on the same direction as the wheel rotates

9. This causes precession. When the topmost point rotates 90 degrees to the side, it continues to move to the left. The same is true for the lowest point. These forces rotate the wheel in the precession direction. As the points continue to rotate, their forces are cancelled, so the gyroscope's axle hangs in the air and undergoes precession.