For Students · Gyroscope & Precession
Gyroscope & Precession for a pendulum clock
Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a pendulum clock live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Gyroscope & PrecessionLive
why a spinning top doesn't fall
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Gravity applies a torque, but a fast-spinning disk responds by precessing sideways instead of toppling. Faster spin → slower precession: Ω = mgr / (Iω).
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Precession rate Ω15.70 rad/s
Precession period0.4 s
Spin inertia I6.25e-4 kg·m²
Governing equation
Reading this result: Gravity's torque never tips the top; it steers the spin axis in a circle every 0.4 s, the hallmark of gyroscopic precession.
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Frequently asked questions
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- Yes — this version of "Gyroscope & Precession for a pendulum clock" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.