Quick Answer:The Gyroscope Model is a gimbal-mounted gyroscope with a 100mm metal rotor on a weighted pedestal, 150mm high overall, for showing angular momentum, precession and nutation once the rotor is spun with a pull-string.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Key Features
High-inertia rotor in machined brass or polished metal alloy.
Low-friction multi-axis gimbal rings.
Weighted anti-vibration pedestal base.
Started with a pull-string; also suits an electric starter.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Rotor
Machined brass or metal alloy, 100mm diameter
Gimbal
Low-friction multi-axis concentric rings
Base
Weighted pedestal
Starting
Pull-string (electric starter compatible)
Overall height
150mm
How It Is Used
Once the rotor is spinning, the gyroscope resists any change in the direction of its axis. A small torque applied to the frame makes the axis precess slowly instead of tipping over, and a slight wobble, nutation, can be seen, illustrating conservation of angular momentum, L = Iω.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the rotor of the Gyroscope Model set spinning?
With a pull-string. It is also compatible with a high-speed electric starter.
