Recent content by test123

Ok, I think I finally get it. Because L by definition is along the spindle, and we know L shifts because of torque, we know the spindle changes? So we are really just using what we know about L to to predict the location of the spindle? I'm sorry about the misleading question about force, I was...

First let me clarify, I completely understand the concepts of angular momentum and that its time derivative is torque. I completely understand why the angular momentum vector must change direction. Both of these concepts were highlighted in my initial diagram, as L and the infintesimal dL...

By the spindle I meant the axis of the top that passes through the little beam at the top. I know the top could theoretically rotate around a crooked axis that is not through that beam. In my reply to kuruman I drew an example of this with the bicycle wheel rotating crooked.

I understand the whole L changing thing, and the T dt = dL thing. What I don't understand is why the spindle of the top has to be aligned with L + dL. Take the first picture for example. Notice how the L vector is always through the spindle. What makes this true? What about physics makes it so...

The direction of the angular velocity would point at the next point in the precession. I understand that if the wheel rotated to the next point in precession, its angular velocity would be the predicted one. However there are many scenarios in which the wheel would have that angular velocity...

I understand why L changes, I just don't understand why the wheel attempts to be flush with the plane of rotation. In other words, why does the wheel rotate so that L' must be normal to it? The wheel could technically rotate at a slight angle right? Also I attached my diagram above to help...

Here is my diagram, it doesn't let me edit my question anymore.

In class, the prof. gave the following explanation for why the wheel precesses: Whenever the wheel is spinning, it has a angular momentum perpendicular to its face. The torque due to gravity changes the direction of the angular momentum, causing precession. However, this does not seem like a...