Mechanics

Rotational Dynamics

Spinning bicycle wheel gyroscope - shows stability, precession, steering capability

Have a student sit on the stool while holding the bicycle wheel gyroscope. Give the wheel a fast spin. A student sitting on the platform can tip a spinning wheel in order to turn around in a circle. Tipping the wheel in one direction turns the student the opposite direction. They have to tip the wheel back the opposite way to stop their rotation (like a satellite has to do to change directions in space).

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