Rotation
5 questions tagged Rotation — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
Why does a gyroscope resist changes in orientation?
A gyroscope resists being tilted because its angular momentum points in a fixed direction. Changing that direction requires torque, so the response often appears as precession instead of tipping.
Why do ice skaters spin faster when they pull in their arms?
They spin faster because pulling in their arms reduces their moment of inertia. To conserve angular momentum, the rotation rate increases.
Where was the Foucault pendulum first demonstrated?
Jean Bernard Léon Foucault first demonstrated the pendulum in Paris in 1851. The best-known display is under the dome of the Panthéon.
What is angular momentum?
Angular momentum is the rotational version of momentum, describing how hard it is to stop something spinning. It is conserved when no external torque acts on a system.
How does a gyroscope resist changes in direction?
A spinning gyroscope resists changes to its axis because of angular momentum. That is why gyroscopes are useful for stabilizing ships, aircraft, and navigation devices.