A tilted top that is spinning clockwise (when viewed from above) experiences a torque that is always horizontal and perpendicular to the top's angular momentum. If initially the top's axis of rotation leans somewhat to the viewer's right and the torque points toward the viewer, how will the top's axis of rotation precess around the vertical direction?
A) Clockwise (when viewed from above).
B) Counter clockwise (when viewed from above).
C) Since the torque is horizontal, there is no precession.
D) Since the torque is perpendicular to the top's angular momentum, there is no precession.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The top's axis of rotation will precess counter-clockwise when viewed from above due to the right-hand rule, which relates the direction of the torque (toward the viewer), the angular momentum (to the viewer's right), and the resulting precession (counter-clockwise from above).

A Tilted Top That Is Spinning Clockwise (When Viewed from Above)