Mitac Gyroscope

DCS Code: 1Q50.30 Last Updated: March 27, 2026
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Purpose

Demonstrates angular momentum as a vector quantity. The motorized gyroscope resists changes to its spin axis, maintaining orientation when the platform beneath it rotates. Clip-on masses create gravitational torque that induces precession rather than tipping, showing that \(\vec{\tau} = d\vec{L}/dt\) changes the direction of \(\vec{L}\).

MITAC motorized gyroscope with spinning flywheel (motion-blurred) in a dark metal gimbal frame on a round base, white clip-on mass on the horizontal shaft, red power cord
Figure 1: The MITAC gyroscope spinning, with a clip-on mass attached to the shaft. Two masses of different weights are included to vary the precessional rate.