Explore the Gyroscopic Precession Lab
Spin a wheel fast, hang a weight off its axle, and watch the whole axle slowly sweep around instead of falling - real torque-induced precession.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Gyroscopic Precession Lab with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Gyroscopic Precession Lab?
Spin a wheel fast, hang a weight off its axle, and watch the whole axle slowly sweep around instead of falling - real torque-induced precession. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Gyroscopic precession is used in gyrocompasses for ships and aircraft, in bicycle and motorcycle stability, and it explains the slow 26,000-year wobble of Earth's own rotation axis.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
A spinning gyroscope resists tipping over; instead, an applied torque makes its spin axis sweep sideways (precess) rather than falling in the direction of the torque.
Precession rate is Ω = τ / (I ω_spin): faster spin or a larger moment of inertia means slower, more stable precession for the same torque.
The torque causing precession here comes from gravity acting on an off-center hanging weight, τ = mgr.
Double the spin rate and watch the precession rate halve.
Increase the hanging weight and watch precession speed up.
Predict the precession period, then check it against the readout.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Gyroscopic Precession Lab on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Increase the hanging weight and watch precession speed up. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does a fast-spinning gyroscope precess sideways instead of falling over?
The torque changes the direction of the angular momentum vector rather than its magnitude; since angular momentum is already large and aligned with the spin axis, the torque can only rotate that axis sideways, which is precession.
Why does precession slow down when you spin the wheel faster?
Precession rate Ω = τ/(Iω_spin) is inversely proportional to the spin rate, so a faster-spinning wheel has more angular momentum to redirect for the same torque, making it precess more slowly.
Is the Gyroscopic Precession Lab free to use?
Yes. The Gyroscopic Precession Lab is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Gyroscopic Precession Lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Gyroscopic Precession Lab takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Gyroscopic Precession Lab?
1. In the Gyroscopic Precession Lab, use the controls to change Spin rate ω_spin, Hanging weight mass m, Lever arm r (weight to pivot), Wheel moment of inertia I. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. Start with this experiment: Double the spin rate and watch the precession rate halve. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Gyroscopic Precession Lab responds in real time. 3. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: A spinning gyroscope resists tipping over; instead, an applied torque makes its spin axis sweep sideways (precess) rather than falling in the direction of the torque.
More free tools
Related to the Gyroscopic Precession Lab.
Try the Gyroscopic Precession Lab now
Spin a wheel fast, hang a weight off its axle, and watch the whole axle slowly sweep. Free to use.
Try it free