PURPOSE: To illustrate precession and nutation with a precision gyroscope.
DESCRIPTION: Start the massive flywheel rotating and observe no precession when the flywheel is statically balanced with the counterweights. Unbalancing the counterweights creates precession of the gyroscope. Lifting the unbalanced gyroscope slightly before releasing it results in nutation.
SUGGESTIONS:
EQUIPMENT: Gyroscope with counterweights, as pictured.
SETUP TIME: None.
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