An interactive exhibit where the cycle wheel acts like a gyroscope when moved. This simulated movement produces an example of "precession" motion.
To try this
simulation:
Click on the arrows to turn/lean the wheels.
What's Going On?
Any turning wheel, like the one simulated here, is a gyroscope. When you apply force to a gyroscope in order to move it out of its plane of rotation, a strange thing happens – it does not move in the direction that you pushed it. This is an example of "precession".
When force (lean) is applied to the fixed wheel, it simply falls over to one side or the other. The moving wheel has angular momentum, applied along its axle. Instead of toppling over to one side or another, the momentum causes it to precess in a circular path about the axle.
There's More!
Gyroscopes are used in automatic pilots in aircraft and in other navigation equipment. Whenever the aircraft turns or dives, the gyroscope will sit in one position relative to the earth – thus giving the pilot a stable reference for navigation.
The gyroscopic principle is also used when a satellite is launched from the space shuttle bay. The satellite is spun, then gently pushed out into orbit. When done correctly, the spinning keeps the satellite pointing in the right direction for years!
