Gyroscope to Demonstrate Precession and Nutation

bikegyroscope

This apparatus consists of a wooden base that supports a high moment of inertia bicycle wheel attached to a long axle with a sliding mass. Slide the mass along the axle and gyroscope will respond with a predictable precession. When the gyroscope is released from rest and given a slight push against or in the direction of precession, students can observe different nutation patterns.