Which term describes the gyroscope property that prevents axis tilt due to Earth's rotation?

• A. Rigidity
• B. Rigidity in space
• C. Risk
• D. Rhodopsin

Answer: (A)

The gyroscope’s main property here is rigidity in space: the spinning rotor tends to keep its axis pointed in the same direction relative to inertial space. Because angular momentum resists changes in orientation, the axis doesn’t simply tilt with the rotating Earth. Instead, the gyro maintains a fixed direction in space, and any apparent tilt is a result of the aircraft and Earth rotating beneath it. In many discussions this capability is summarized as rigidity, but the precise term used in gyroscope theory is rigidity in space. The other options don’t fit the concept—risk is unrelated, rhodopsin is a retinal protein, and rigidity alone lacks the spatial reference that defines this gyroscopic behavior.