# The acceleration of gyroscopic precession

If we take the movement of a rotating gyroscope held horizontally at one end with a rope, then the rotational momentum of the gyroscope's spin exists, as well as the rotational momentum caused by torque applied by gravity over time. This would lead to a linear combination of those rotational momenta, which would require the gyroscope to rotate around the Y (vertical) axis. The question is: If the torque is applied constantly, shouldn't it cause the rotational momentum to get constantly larger, and thus increase the rate of precession, or in simpler terms, shouldn't the gyroscope accelerate while precessing?

• You are asking about how an applied torque is affecting the spinning gyroscope. That question already has an answer. Note that the applied torque can either come from an external weight or from the weight of the gyro wheel itself; there's no real difference there See: Precession of a gyroscope – Cleonis May 12 at 16:43
• I understand that it is spinning, but I do not understand why it is not accelerating in that direction while spinning. – GameOver May 12 at 16:50