What is the term for the deflection of a spinning wheel when force is applied, a property of gyroscopes?

The term that describes the deflection of a spinning wheel when force is applied is precession. This phenomenon occurs when an external force, such as gravity or a physical push, acts upon a spinning gyroscope. Instead of tipping in the direction of the applied force, the gyroscope responds by moving in a direction that is perpendicular to the applied force. This behavior is characteristic of gyroscopes and is fundamental to how they maintain orientation and stability.

Precession is essential in various applications, including navigation systems and aircraft stability controls, where it helps maintain direction despite external forces. Understanding precession is crucial when working with gyroscopic systems, as it illustrates the unique ways in which these devices interact with forces in their environment. Other terms like gyroscopic stability, torque, and inertia represent different concepts related to motion and force but do not specifically illustrate the behavior of a spinning wheel in response to an applied force.