Gyroscopic Precession

Gyroscopic precession is the phenomenon where a spinning object, like a gyroscope or bicycle wheel, resists changes to its orientation. When an external force attempts to tilt or turn the spinning object, the force doesn't cause the expected direct movement. Instead, the gyroscope responds by moving perpendicular to the applied force. This occurs because the angular momentum of the spinning object reacts to the torque, resulting in a gradual, predictable change in its axis of rotation—called precession. It’s a fundamental principle in physics that explains how spinning objects maintain stability, and it’s used in navigation, aerospace, and various engineering applications.