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Chapter 1: Q26DQ (page 328)

In a common design for a gyroscope, the flywheel and flywheel axis are enclosed in a light, spherical frame with the fly-wheel at the center of the frame. The gyroscope is the balanced on top of a pivot so that the flywheel is directly above the pivot. Does the gyroscope precess if it is released while the flywheel is spinning? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The gyroscope will not precess.

Step by step solution

01

Given that

In a common design for a gyroscope, the flywheel and flywheel axis is enclosed in a light, spherical frame with the fly-wheel at the center of the frame. The gyroscope is balanced on top of a pivot so that the flywheel is directly above the pivot.

02

Explanation

In the given situation, there will be no net torque on the gyroscope.

Gravity pulls down on the center of mass, along a line that passes right through the pivot. The pivot provides an upward force of equal magnitude, upward along the same line.

Therefore, there is no net force and hence no net torque.

Thus, both linear, as well as angular momentum, are conserved, hence no precession takes place.

03

Conclusion

Hence, gyroscope will not precess.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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