What is the name of the effect that causes a gyro to respond at a point 90 degrees further in the direction of rotation?

The correct answer is the phenomenon known as gyroscopic precession. Gyroscopic precession refers to the behavior of gyroscopes where a change in the axis of rotation results in an apparent movement that occurs at a 90-degree angle from the point of applied force. When external torque is applied to a spinning gyroscope, such as tilting it, the gyroscope's reaction does not occur at the point of force application but rather 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation.

This principle is essential in aviation, as it influences the behavior of instruments like gyroscopic flight displays and plays a fundamental role in the stability and control of rotating systems. Understanding gyroscopic precession helps pilots and engineers predict how gyroscopic instruments will respond under different conditions, ensuring accurate readings and safe operations.

Other options represent different physical concepts. Centrifugal force is a perceived force that acts outward on a mass moving in a circular path and does not relate to precession. The gyrocompass effect involves using gyroscopes to find true north, but it’s not directly about the 90-degree response. Conservation of angular momentum relates to the quantity of rotation that an object possesses but does not specifically address the motion related to gyroscopic precession.