Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 9.17

Angular momentum, Part II (General L) — Morin

Physics — Mechanics · the-top

Problem

This problem deals with the spinning top example in Section 9.7.5. It uses the result for

\Omega

in Eq. (9.82). ((a)) What is the minimum value of

\omega_3

for which circular precession is possible? ((b)) Find approximate expressions for

\Omega_\pm

when

\omega_3

is very large. The phrase ``very large,'' however, is rather meaningless. What mathematical statement should replace it?