The simple gyroscope is an excellent subject for a lecture table demonstration to classes in elementary physics. The only observable force acting upon the precessing top is a downward pull due to gravity, yet, instead of falling, it moves with a continuous horizontal displacement. An adequate and convincing explanation of this curious behavior is essential, and it must be stated in language familiar to the student. One possible approach to the problem, using a very simple model, is given here. The internal reactions are described and their values are computed. Because of some difficulty in visualizing motion in three dimensions, it is recommended that a model be constructed. It may be very crude and yet quite adequate.
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© 1960 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1960
American Association of Physics Teachers
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