What effect does gyroscopic precession describe?

Gyroscopic precession refers to the phenomenon that occurs when a force is applied to a spinning gyroscope. Specifically, it describes how the axis of the gyroscope will shift or tilt at a right angle to the applied force. When a torque is exerted on a spinning rotor, instead of tipping in the direction of that force, the rotor changes direction and begins to move at a right angle to the direction of the applied force, creating a tilting or turning motion of the rotor's axis.

This concept is crucial in aviation and other applications that utilize gyroscopic instruments, such as aircraft orientation and navigation systems. Understanding gyroscopic precession helps pilots anticipate and manage the behavior of flight controls and instruments influenced by gyroscopic forces.