Spinning top in an elevator
ω s A top of mass M spins with angular speed ω s about its axis, as shown. The moment of inertia of the top about the spin axis is I 0 , and the center of mass of the top is a distance l from the point. The axis is inclined at angle φ with respect to the vertical, and the top is undergoing uniform precession. Gravity is directed downward.
The top is in an elevator, with its tip held to the elevator floor by a frictionless pivot. Find the rate of precession, Ω, clearly indicat-
ing its direction, in each of the following cases:
The elevator at rest.
The elevator accelerating down at rate 2 g .
