Gyroscopic precession -- An intuitive explanation

[@tombarber8013]

This is confusing because there is a discontinuity at :03, and the wheel changes its direction of rotational spin at this discontinuity. The woman is holding the wheel with the suspended/string end toward her both before and after this discontinuity. Before the discontinuity, the wheel spins clockwise from her perspective. After the discontinuity the wheel is spinning counterclockwise from her perspective. Thus, the rotational direction of the wheel reverse at this discontinuity. I was very confused by what I saw after the discontinuity until I figured out the wheel isn't spinning in the direction that I thought it was spinning, and the reason I thought it was spinning the other direction is because it was spinning in the other direction just prior to the discontinuity. Terribly confusing.

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Sorry about that! I just took that clip from another video (linked in the description), and didn't even think to check if the source material had a confusing cut in it.

[@cursive1805]

​@@TheHuesSciTechstill replying after 6 years? Bloody legend

[@causeofyou9167]

1

[@melkerw9910]

Your video doesnt explain anything man. The "mystery" that is weird about gyroscopes is "WHY" you can simplyfy the forces to only 2 arrows as in your last min 3.

[@somerandomboi8239]

​@@melkerw9910so what would you say? If you know better, please do share❤️

[@harry3life]

Student of physics now for 4 years and this is the first explanation that makes sense. Thanks dude. This is actually the way it should be explained.

[@xray4abc913]

YOU are wrong, :), this îs NOT an explanation! YOU can not explain what happens here with the conservation laws, to do calculations , yes !

[@maneeshaliyanapatabendy1481]

Me too

[@popwatch905]

@@xray4abc913 You seem to have a similar issue with simple punctuation and usage of the English language! Everyone is an expert at something and nobody is an expert at everything.

[@xray4abc913]

@@popwatch905 Ha Ha! Very funny! :) Nothing to do with "your hand while it is in precession" ! On a second thought though.....in a funny way...doing the experiment the way I have described it...one has to follow the movement of the bicycle wheel.....and then one could say that the person is ...sort of " precessing"! ;) What has always amazed me...is the ATTITUDE.....like yours! I have been describing my ADDITION to a simple experiment shown many times on youtube! This...addition.......shows a thing NEVER EVER noticed by anyone (at least not to my knowledge!).....and ...then... someone like You ..comes......and observes...nothing.......but the "precession of the hand of the experimenter"....! Obviously....you are a person that...pays attention......but not enough! You missed a tiny little thing only.... the description of a scientific discovery.......not a huge one, it is true, but nevertheless ....still a discovery! So, for the sake of a larger audience....the discovery is the following : The wheel can keep a horizontal position only if it has at least a minimal speed of spinning, OR over ! If we increase this speed to even more than this minimal value... the wheel will tilt upward from the horizontal. ( I did do it, make no mistake!). IF we use from the very beginning a higher speed in the horizontal position, which is the starting position HERE ...the wheel of course will keep it until the rotation slows down enough. If we place the spinning wheel at this tilted upward position...it will precess in it.....and then slowly...as it is losing energy...will get...with its loose end..lower and lower! The experimenters on youtube, at least the ones that I have seen ......limited themselves to the textbook experiment.

[@marcv2648]

@@xray4abc913 the video illustrated the vectors of the forces. Those are the calculations. All you have to do is stick numbers on them. Make up whatever numbers you want. This is a qualitative explanation, which is first principles.

[@vitalymeshkov5752]

out of 2034723 videos about how gyroscopes work this one was most concise and delivered the epiphany thank you

[@VictorPoulin]

Can you help answer this please. When you spin the wheel forward (clockwise) it turns to the left as seen in the video. Spin it backwards (counterclockwise) and it will spin to the right. Here is where I found an issue. Both right and left handed boomerangs are throw forward in a clockwise direction yet the left handed boomerang flies to the right. Why???

[@kylestewart7034]

I don't think I've ever commented on a KZbin video ever, until now. This is by far the best, most intuitive explanation I have ever seen or read for this topic. I'm a physics professor and for years had to just tell students "I know it doesn't make intuitive sense at all, you just have to trust the vector math and the equation: torque = dL/dt" because that's always how I learned/understood it. From now on, I'm going to use this explanation for "how this makes sense", instead. (OK but still also tell them they have to trust the equations/math.)

[@olivermaynard3380]

No one in my A level physics class could understand this...at all. I asked the teacher if we could watch this and for some reason it just clicked with everyone. The satellite analogy really is perfect at showing what's going on. Thanks so much!

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Awesome!

[@VictorPoulin]

Can you help answer this please. When you spin the wheel forward (clockwise) it turns to the left as seen in the video. Spin it backwards (counterclockwise) and it will spin to the right. Here is where I found an issue. Both right and left handed boomerangs are throw forward in a clockwise direction yet the left handed boomerang flies to the right. Why???

[@geromiuiboxz765]

🇨🇱 Because Tha main turn of the boomerang us due to aerodynamics, not to gravity. The turn due to gravity and momentum is the "leaning upwards" in the fly, later on... Saludos de 🇨🇱

[@technobutt2696]

@@VictorPoulin I'm gonna guess it's aerodynamics/Bernoulli lift due to the different shapes for left/right, but I'll be the left handed one doesn't torque as easily since it works against precession vs addititively (I'm guessing the left handed rang veers to the right and the right veers to the left, due to the lift produced by the shape - ie, which side has the longer path vs shorter straighter path, where the shorter side gets the "lift"). But, since both are rotating "clockwise" or right hand, I'd expect the right handed rang to need less aggressive "lift" from it's shape than the left handed? Have you noticed that the right handed turns more aggressively than an identical but oppositely shaped left handed? Interesting concept. I bet lift is the much strong force on a rang than the precession component of angular momentum from rotational velocity. Anyone with actual knowledge give you any insight on this since you asked (I'm just shootng from the hip late at night insomnia clicking).

[@VictorPoulin]

@@technobutt2696 I agree that it is lift. You get the same results from a lefty as you would a righty. I agree that precession has little to do with anything going on with the flights. I am friends with many different boomerang builders and most all are learning that precession is what makes the boomerang turn. I am not sure who was the first to tell all of them this but it is now carved in stone for many. Wanted to throw this idea at them about the left handed boomerang but wanted to hear what others thought first. Thank you for your input.

[@peterwrobel1127]

I am a graduate student that serves as an instructor for a university physics lab. One of our labs is on gyroscopic precession, where the students get to play with a heavy disk with handles (like a bike wheel) spinning very quickly. Watching this video with the recent muscle memory of having the disk spin around my wrist is just incredible - as I watch these animations I physically feel the wheel urge my wrist to spin with the precession. Finally linking mental intuition with a physical sensation, a sensation that previously was to me just an invisible force coming from nowhere, leaves me feeling at ease, and physically resolved, as if a persistent dizziness just cleared up. Thank you so much for making this video; I will most definitely share it with my students, and explain it in class like you did from now on.

[@ZakButterfield-q8f]

I've spent DAYS trying to wrap my head around this concept watching video after video and reading everything I could to understand it with no success; that is until your 3 minute video. Now it's so simple to understand! Thank you so much!

[@iTeerRex]

Albert Einstein Quote: “If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” simply and beautifully done.. not hidding behind science and math gargons this is how good scientists do it.. start form the basics form first principals

[@Krystamyth]

I'd you honestly think this was a simple explanation you commonly deal in the esoteric.

[@omniyambot9876]

@@Krystamyth this is simple at least if you're not a moron

[@unclenick222]

It was Richard Feynman, and he used a 12-year-old so there was just enough vocabulary and patience available to understand, but not enough to swallow unexplained science jargon.

[@zbyszekkopec908]

The Earth is flat and stationary.

[@pseudoharm]

​@@zbyszekkopec908 my grandpa is putin

[@daveburch235]

As a motorcyclist, I immediately could apply this explanation to the mystery of why leaning a motorcycle causes it to steer in the direction of the lean. My shifted body weight applies a torque pressing the top of the spinning front wheel in the direction of the lean. The wheel responds by precessing in that direction. It now seems so simple. Thanks!

[@ALifeOfWine]

Best video I've seen explaining this. Top notch mate!

[@TheHuesSciTech]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@Bishox]

TheHue's SciTech Dude i have been strugling with this thing for a while and couldnt figure it out and i am not a dumb guy i am pretty familiar with all fields of science and understandes most of the physics videos but not this one and you have made it that much more simple compared to veritasium thank you dude :)

[@dnrob7]

Yes, great vid. I get it now. 600+ h on ksp and never thought of this. Quality.

[@schannoman]

Absolutely! I can do the math all day, but without being able to understand WHY it was happening I couldn't apply any of the knowledge I had. Once I saw the satellite demo in the video and thought of the resulting vector from the force everything instantly clicked.

[@leif1075]

Im sory indont see it..i dont get what the teo blue arrows at 1:25 mean..what two axes..i don't find thia intuitive

[@ibuucoksiregar9024]

I spent the whole day watching veritasium,vsauce,etc to trying to understand the concept. Your presentation really helped to understand the concept . Fortunately i played KSP lol

[@dbcollin3]

I’ve been in aviation for about 4 years now. The concept of Gyroscopic procession applies to the spinning of the prop, as well as conventional vacuum instruments. I have my commercial license and an advanced ground instructor rating, so I’ve listened to explanations on the topic hundreds of times and this is the first time its really made sense. Thank you. Will show this video to my students.

[@theblobewab6844]

That actually makes sense, I just spent a good 10 days looking for an explanation and this is the first thing that has actually made some sense

[@jetman787]

Outstanding, this has perplexed me for years. As a helicopter pilot it now makes so many aerodynamic effects experienced in a helicopter more explainable.

[@kenrobba5831]

How did U ever pass an oral ?

[@SteveGergetz]

A couple years ago I really wanted to wrap my brain around gyroscopic precession, and I watched a bunch of videos about it. Two or three that were quite a bit better than the typical confusing fare combined in my head to give me a good understanding of it. But...I sure as heck wish I had seen this video back then, and FIRST before I watched any others. In 3 minutes you NAILED it. You explained it in the MOST intuitive fashion I've heard yet. EXCELLENT! And thank you!

[@luvmsiahatethegov]

The biggest difficulty was understanding why a moment in one plane would cause motion in another plane. This video really made it easy to visualize the change

[@paulmin9588]

At the beginning I was like, "what the??" But then I just kept watching the video over and over and drawing diagrams in my notepad and then using my hand as a plane, and then the idea finally clicked! That was AMAZING...this video is a work of art.

[@Qwuarter]

Oh my god bless your life, you just saved my brain that has been going in circles the past month when I started thinking about this. I FINALLY GET IT

[@HrHTeam]

Finally an angular momentum free explanation that is intuitive and makes sense! Thanks so so much

[@garysnider5342]

I was laughing at 2:32 because it finally clicked! This was an amazing video, and was just what I was looking for. I knew someone had to do a better job of explaining it, and you did. Thanks!

[@learnerlearns]

Good explanation and graphics. Concise, clear, simple.

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Thanks!

[@arjunthomas369]

I have been watching almost anything on youtube to understand this concept. None of them worked except this one.Thank You Sir!

[@zeph_os]

I'm one semester away from getting my bachelor's in mechanical engineering and this is the first explanation that made sense to me, even when I'm not in a state to think critically. You made it pretty intuitive to understand and I can definitely see ways to apply this moving forward. Thanks for sharing such a valuable insight!

[@vilisinkovic3695]

Best video on gyroscopic precession I've seen yet! I now I understand why it occurs and not just how it behaves

[@ansonngpersonalgoogleaccou5104]

I searched from the internet for at least 5 hours, still could not understand the gyroscopic precession UNTIL NOW! Thank you!

[@enderwiggin9155]

Helped at least 5 of my fellow flight students and myself have that “click” moment, thanks for this video!

[@jeb123]

Other people always give the mathematical explanation (one that with angular momentum and torque vector) which is still doesn't explain much. But your video is totally different, thank you man. You are the only one who made me understand this.

[@jeraldobasha]

This is the best explanation here, even after 4 freaking years

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Oh geez has it been that long :-/ Thanks :-)

[@dub23handb]

This was far more intuitive than anything I've seen so far! Helped me grasp the concept far better!

[@Josephsflock]

This was incredibly helpful man, thanks man. I watched many other videos and they never explain it intuitively, it’s always vectors and never explained. This video was great!

[@manumnb6378]

Your animations are awesome besides the fact that your explanation is exceptional. You clearly took a lot of effort is making this tutorial and people are praising you for it.

[@S3IIL3CT]

I've watched some lecture snippets before from professors who absolutely sucked at explaining this. I've come up with my own somewhat intuitive explanation looking at one single point too. I just wasnt sure how solid my own explanation was. Thanks for the wonderful visuals.

[@andreaskjernlie5790]

Very nice video! My friend Dan has been thinking about this for several years, and immediately understood it after watching this. Needless to say, many nights of sleep has been lost pondering over this problem, but not anymore. Maybe he will show up at school hereon and forth! Thank you.

[@gmeast]

WOW! ... so happy to find another thinker who chose an intuitive approach to this. I adopted the same 'intuitive' approach to understanding gyroscopic precession 50+ years during my high school physics class. The topic was only skimmed over, but I remember the equations intimidated me. My scenario considered the rim to be comprised of an infinite number of masses forming the disc of the rim but still conceptually independent. When I realized the masses were simply being forced to change their tangential direction by tilting the rim's axis, I was finally able to sleep at night, again. The force (arrows) pushing the balls 'off-course' require an opposite reactive force ... which ends up being the precession.

[@SebastianHrdr]

This video is amazing. I had enough of the pseudo-explanations given by other channels, this actually make sense. Great work!

[@sudharsanvj8531]

Best video on youtube for understanding the concept of gyroscope ! Truly genius explanation !

[@billdavis9286]

Yah good video. Clear, concise. No frivolous intro, just content. Good job sir! KZbin needs more of this!

[@DesertDahlia621]

Finally!! Somebody broke it down and actually explained it! Many thanks!!

[@TheHuesSciTech]

Thanks!

[@deadbunnyeyes190]

I played KSP for some good amount of time to learn about taking spacecraft into orbit and that mechanic you showed there was something that was already familiar to me. I didn't expect that to be the answer to this perplexing physics phenomena for which I didn't have any intuitive explanation until now. Thank you!

[@clairecelestin8437]

Great explanation! This is exactly how I started to visualize it when it first clicked for me, but I always struggled to explain that visualization to others. You've shown it perfectly.

[@user-ju7dx8mu6d]

This is so much better than all the silly right hand rule, etc., explanations. So many people apply the rules and think they understand the phenomenon. If you can't visualize and explain in words what is happening, you don't understand. Good job. But this is not an intuitive explanation. Intuitive means you can predict an outcome without understanding why. The calculated outcomes are intuitive. This is an analytical explanation.

[@henning8101]

Awesome Video/explanation! Didn't get this for years, yet you managed to explain it in 3 minutes and now it's so simple

[@tco2023]

This is the very best Gyroscopic precession explanation I've seen. Well done. Thank you!

[@gratzker]

Great intuitive explanation. I performed this experiment at my son's science fair in grade school a few days ago, but only now do I truly understand why it works - and I've watched many videos on the subject. Thank you so much, you really nailed it!

[@glasgowbrian1469]

Thanks for the orbiting satellite explanation - I now understand it! This is the only one that I've found that explains WHY precession happens. The key to understanding, is that pushing the satellite sideways changes its direction of motion permanently, and that changes its orbit. Brilliant explanation.

[@glasgowbrian1469]

I just realised that the satellite will go faster, and the orbit increase in diameter - because pushing the satellite sideways should add energy and a further velocity vector at 90 deg to the original velocity. But does moving the axis of a gyro require energy?

[@Borus101]

I've been wondering about this for months and gave up with trying to figure it out, now I finally understand it. Thanks!

[@salugsog]

This is gold. Best, simplest, and most intuitive explanation of precession I've seen. 👏👏👏

[@niklashbg]

WOW, thank you so much! This explanation is way better AND more accurate than any other I've come across!

[@Jacobwlane]

And now it suddenly all clicks - what an absolute legend you are. Best explanation I've seen anywhere, thank you so much.

[@Inokiulus]

This was an amazing explanation that finalized my complete understanding of this effect. My amazement started with smarter everyday because of my love of helicopters, to veritasium because I just didn't understand it with smarter everyday, to here. And, although I understood that a torque applied to a rigid body acted 90 degrees out of phase, it was difficult to understand why and your explanation answers that beautifully. Thank you.

[@TheHuesSciTech]

You're most welcome, thank you for the generous comment!

[@Vancouverite39]

Brilliant. Exactly the explanation I was looking for. I understand the vector explanation but finally a clear intuitive explanation of precession, which also requires some deep thinking to generalize.

[@normanpilon7954]

Yes, indeed, by far and away the best explanation that I have so far come across to explain this particular kind of precession. Many thanks.

[@cadenhanninen]

Thank you so much, so many people have thought they understood the concept enough to make a youtube video, and their only explanation is, “the thumb is pointing that way so it makes sense” without actually understanding any of the physics.

[@fslurrehman]

Best explanation. Finally I understood gyroscopic procession after years. I knew that out of plane direction of torque is just symbolic representation of cross product and it's not out of plane in reality.

[@joostvangoidsenhoven]

best video on youtube explaining this effect, in only 3,5 minutes! great job

[@yizhang7027]

This is the best explanation of precession ever!

[@karanoidji]

You explain so simple it almost sounds wrong, but now that I think about it, there seem to be no mistakes, so I guess that your explanation is correct, amazing

[@franciscopinto6394]

It's 01:13 at night and I can finally allow myself to sleep. Thank you.

[@superyoshiryan]

This was a phenomenal video! That satellite analogy explains this phenomenon in probably the most intuitive I’ve seen. Good on you my friend!

[@j.f.4859]

Probably the best explanation of the phenomenon out there. Really good vid.

[@Rawbful]

Mother of god. I finally get it. Thank you! I needed to understand this in the context of flying an airplane because the propeller is of course a giant gyroscope.

[@Lahorca]

I can't believe I didn't see this video back then when I was taking Physics in the University. Absolutely brilliant explanation!

[@jagadishkumarmr531]

This is amazing, landed here after many videos in this concept, none explained the concept like this

[@Anenome5]

That's... actually the best explanation I've found yet, and I think I might actually understand it now. Crazy.

[@brickie9816]

Great and concise explanation! An interesting consequence of this is that applying torque perpendicularly to a vector of angular momentum will result in precession movement perpendicular to both. Also, KSP is truly a great example of how a game can be both entertaining and teach you a lot, at least on the intuition side of things.

[@guzzler6584]

To video maker: u r my type of guy, these formulas never give me satisfaction, I always break them into my head and think on basics, u did here same, cool.

[@Rami-L]

as soon as i heard "kerbal space program" i knew this would be the best explanation on youtube by far

[@kimeyoung8856]

I've seen many videos explaining principle of gyroscope, this one is the best. Clear and concise. Thank you.

[@mtdpkmtdpk9698]

Most important video out there,keep up the wok I couldnt understand this phenomena and searched internet documents for weeks but now thanks to you i understand this clearly 👍👍👍

[@roadfart5537]

I've watched so many videos with the bicycle wheel and just couldn't get a hang of it. Your video was so incredibly well done and as you said, intuitive. Thanks so much!!

[@Garresh1]

This is the best explanation of gyroscopic forces I've ever seen.

[@charbeleid193]

You can't imagine how thankful I am. I've been looking for something like this for about an hour

[@VajraangKamat]

FINALLY understood gyroscopic precession for good, thank you so much!! The moment you said the satellite doesn't just teleport up when a force is applied it all clicked :D

[@Mornys]

Thank you! First and only explanation I've seen that really explains it. All the others have just rambled about precession vector cross products, but as we know the result vector there is usually a pseudovector and only by dumb luck it in case of precession happens to point to the same direction as the precession torque. So everyone explaining it only via vectors have not understood what really happens in gyroscopic precession.

[@rorystockley5969]

You're a physics chiropractor. I've been struggling with this for days and you made it click in three and a half minutes.

[@TheKiller1922]

As a physics and engineering student myself (some time ago) I'd say this is the easiest to understand explanation so far. Thanks!

[@ryanunrau1231]

This is such a good explanation. When people explain with vector's it doesn't have any physical meaning. I wanted an explanation using the angular rotations of the system. This was so helpful.

[@ravick]

THANK YOU! I had trouble understanding why angular momentum had that direction. I pretty much got to the point on my own where I imagined thesame situation with the satellite and pushing it up or down. Then I clicked this video and it just filled in the gaps and now I finally fully understand something that I previously only could apply in calculations. So, I knew how it worked, but I didn't know why it worked. Much more rewarding to know why it behaves like this. I might have deducted it after that initial thought, but it also just feels very good to find a video that confirmed my initial idea and then just take it 1 step further and ofcourse it also saved me some time. Very rewarding, thank you very much.

[@tonyrabone4668]

That is by far the best explanation I have come across. Thank you.

[@Runeakb]

I'm a MSc.eng and this video made me understand it intuitively. I have had sleepless nights due to the "magic" of this phenomenon. Thanks!!!

[@kellel5610]

Only freaking video which I understanded it .Nice man that made me stop thinking of it as magical.I have been binge watching and reading about gyroscopes but never understanded it until now

[@GoldSkulltulaHunter]

Finally an explanation that makes intuitive sense! Great video! Simple and effective.

[@neiladaniel]

This goes to the heart of the difficulty and clears it up. Great job.

[@kenrobba5831]

Look at the layout of control inputs to a main rotor of a helicopter - the swashplate is designed to the offset of control inputs to give the desired directional effect anticipated. Typically, a ninety degree offset to a free rotor assembly but a slightly different angular arrangement for a rigid rotor design.

[@muhammadrana7170]

Explained really well. perhaps the best tutorial video i have seen on Gyroscopic precession.

[@gjrfytn]

Finally! The KSP-style explanation hit the point for me, thank you!

[@itrixion4346]

OMG ! I have no words to describe how good this explanation is ,Thank you very much

[@andrewbell2751]

I could NEVER understand why apply the force resulted in a 90o shift in the effect. But now I do. Elegant explanation with your satellite.

[@lukecole6203]

This makes so much more sense now. I finally understand gyroscopic precession which I have to know for my pilot instrument rating. Thank you

[@markviaginis6484]

the most amazing explanation for a very counter-intuitive physics phenomenon. Should consider taking ur youtube channel to a next level: your talent will allow it!

[@TheHuesSciTech]

I appreciate the kind words! The thing is, quality vs quantity is always a compromise -- I can promise you that if I made myself pump out 1 video per month (or event 1 per year!), the quality would go way down! I do have something in the works, but it's still a few years off :-)

[@nlee1943]

Thank you for making this video! I am a physics major and have been struggling to arrive at an intuitive understanding of gyroscopic precession. Other videos I've seen have explained it using physics principles but didn't address what is actually occurring physically. However, this video provides an explanation that is genuinely intuitive.

[@ivanperezs]

Fantastic work! (I have studied Physics for 4 years at Uni and this is the best explanation I have found).

[@kieransaul2711]

Oh my god, thank you for explaining this. I've got an AP Physics exam on Tuesday (3 days from now) and I didn't comprehend this concept at all until you explained it. I just stood by while my physics teacher showed me and was like "Mhm, mhm, yes; this definitely isn't some sort of magic wizardry to me". My misunderstanding is probably more my fault now that I think of it, but the point is: THANK YOU!

[@armstrongturbo]

Thank you! This was not clicking in my head until you used the satellite example.

[@sasusumasu]

thank you for this video. it made me understand the concept and helped me figure out further answers to some things i had difficulty grasping

[@lowerlowerhk]

Best intuitive explanation about gyroscope I've found. And Kerbal Space Programme! You've earned a sub.

[@dekkert5272]

Best explanation I’ve seen/heard. I totally get it now... (why does this only have 300k views?)

[@TheHuesSciTech]

300k views is about 299k more than I ever expected :-)

[@ronansleep]

Simple, clear, intuitive, beautifully concise; Wish more people used the rimless approximation to explain what is going on. Thanks so much.

[@kunalsutar3946]

this has to be the best visual explanation on youtube ... thanks man

[@20acivi08]

master of explanations! wow thanks, i've watched several of these videos but only with YOUR video i was able to understand it completely!!