What is precession in terms of a spinning object?

Precession refers to the phenomenon where the axis of a spinning object, such as a gyroscope or a planet, moves in a circular motion due to an external torque applied to it. When an object is spinning, the conservation of angular momentum plays a significant role in maintaining its orientation. However, if a torque is applied, such as gravitational force acting on a spinning top, the object will respond not by tilting over, but rather by shifting its axis of rotation in the direction of the torque.

In practical terms, when a spinning top is pushed or tilted, instead of falling straight over, it begins to trace out a circular path with its spin axis. This change in orientation of the spin axis is what defines precession. It is a key concept in mechanics, particularly in contexts where dynamics and rotational motion are studied.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of precession. The slowing down of rotation refers to a decrease in angular speed, while a complete stop of motion describes a total halt in movement, neither of which pertains to the concept of an object's axis of rotation changing due to torque. The increase in angular velocity, on the other hand, indicates a rise in the speed of rotation without involving any change in the orientation of the