Final answer:
Gyroscopes are used in navigation systems to maintain a constant orientation. The direction of the angular momentum remains constant due to the torque on the center of mass of the gyroscope. This property makes gyroscopes useful in guidance systems for indicating directions in space.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gyroscopes are often used in navigation systems, especially in situations where magnetic compasses cannot be used. One of the key properties of a gyroscope is its ability to maintain a constant orientation in space.
This is due to the angular momentum of the spinning disk, which remains constant even when the gyroscope is subjected to large forces and accelerations.
The direction of the angular momentum remains constant because the torque on the center of mass of the gyroscope provides the change in angular momentum. This property allows gyroscopes to be used in guidance systems for indicating directions in space.