Foucault precession manifested in a simple system

Abstract

This article aims to answer the question, "What is the simplest system that embodies the essence of Foucault's pendulum?" We study a very elementary idealized system that exhibits a precession behavior analogous to the classic pendulum. The system consists of a particle without inertial mass, constrained to an inclined plane that rotates about a vertical axis. Insights gained from this analysis are used to understand the rate of precession in a straightforward way.