Gyroscope, Space Wonder

Perform all sorts of cool tricks with this sophisticated spin top. Balance it on the pedestal provided, or on a length of string even a finger. Entertain your friends or students with its gravity defying feats and the peculiar ways it moves. A quality science gadget to spark discussions on centripetal forces and angular momentum.

Age: 7+

What you get

Space wonder gyroscope (colours vary, diameter of rotor 65mm), starting cord, pedestal and instructions.

How does it work?

Gyroscopes can resist motion about the spin axis in odd and interesting ways. The key to understanding gyroscopes is understanding angular momentum. Most people understand linear momentum an object in motion tends to keep moving in the same direction and at the same speed unless acted upon by an outside force. When this happens, there is a logical change in speed and direction. Angular motion is similar but when a force acts on a spinning gyroscope the resulting change in momentum is not in the direction of the force but at right angles to it and the spin axis.

Its gravity defying ability is also explained by angular motion. Instead of falling over from gravitys force, it corrects itself by moving sideways. Because of their special properties gyroscopes are important in real life applications. They are found in airplanes, missiles and satellites, as well as in more common things like Frisbees, bicycles and yo yos.

Teach

• Centripetal forces
• Conversation of angular momentum and stability
• Gravity
• Precession
• Inertia the faster it spins, the harder it is to change its angle of spin.
• Newton's laws of motion

FAQ

This didactic precision instrument is made in Italy and packed in an attractive transparent case.