Why does a rotating gyroscope resist changes to the orientation of its rotational spin axis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Conservation of angular momentum
- Step 1: Torque is the time rate of change of angular momentum: tau = dL/dt. Step 2. In the absence of external torque, the magnitude and spatial direction of L remain constant. Answer: Conservation of angular momentum. Why not the others: An applied torque perpendicular to L produces precession rather than angular deflection.
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