Gyroscoop

A gyroscope is a navigational device consisting of a wheel that spins independently along its axis of rotation, unaffected by the orientation of the gimbals. It works on the principle of conservation of angular momentum, where the spin of a system remains constant unless subjected to an external torque. Earth spinning along its axis acts like a giant gyroscope.

Gyroscopes possess two properties: rigidity and precession.

Rigidity is the property of a spinning gyroscope to retain its direction of spin. Precession is the change in orientation of the gyroscope due to a force applied perpendicular to its rotational plane.

In airplanes, a heading indicator attached to a gyroscope provides navigation. When the airplane's direction changes, an angular change in the heading indicator occurs.