Gyroscope Angular Speed Calculation

In summary, the rotor of a toy gyroscope has a mass of 0.150 kg and a moment of inertia of 1.20*10^-4 kg m^2. The frame has a mass of 2.70×10−2 kg and the gyroscope is supported on a single pivot with its center of mass 4.00 cm away from the pivot. It precesses at a rate of one revolution in 2.40 s. Using the formula \omega=(weight force*radius)/(moment of inertia*\Omega), the angular speed of the rotor is calculated to be 221 rad/s or 2111 revs/min. This is in line with the typical spinning speed of a toy gyroscope.
  • #1
MozAngeles
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0

Homework Statement




The rotor (flywheel) of a toy gyroscope has mass 0.150 kg. Its moment of inertia about its axis is 1.20*10^- 4 kg m^2. The mass of the frame is 2.70×10−2 kg. The gyroscope is supported on a single pivot with its center of mass a horizontal distance of 4.00 cm from the pivot. The gyroscope is precessing in a horizontal plane at the rate of one revolution in 2.40 s.
Find the angular speed with which the rotor is spinning about its axis, expressed in rev/min.

Homework Equations


[tex]\omega[/tex]=(weight force*radius)/(moment of interia*[tex]\Omega[/tex])



The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\omega[/tex]= (1.73*.04)/(1.20*10^-4 *4.8)= 38 rad/s
the result is wrong. i have no idea what i am doing wrong.
any help would be nice thanks =)
 
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  • #2


Sure, there are 3/4 mistakes in your formula.
You need to methodically write down the basic equations of the gyro, and all your data, in a neat Latex code.

You should get 221 rad/s, or 2111revs/min, if I'm not wrong.
A typical toy gyro can spin up to 3/4000 revs/min, so it makes sense (I have one toy gyro).
 

1. What is a gyroscope and how does it work?

A gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disc that is used to maintain orientation and stability in various devices such as airplanes, ships, and smartphones. It works on the principle of conservation of angular momentum, meaning that the axis of rotation remains fixed unless acted upon by an external torque.

2. What are the applications of gyroscopes in everyday life?

Gyroscopes are used in a wide range of devices, including navigation systems, image stabilization for cameras and drones, and virtual reality headsets. They are also used in everyday items like bicycles and toys for stabilization and balance.

3. How does a gyroscope differ from an accelerometer?

While both gyroscopes and accelerometers are used for motion sensing, they work on different principles. Gyroscopes measure angular velocity or rotation, while accelerometers measure linear acceleration. In simpler terms, gyroscopes measure changes in orientation, while accelerometers measure changes in speed or direction.

4. What factors affect the accuracy of a gyroscope?

The accuracy of a gyroscope can be affected by external forces, such as vibrations or changes in temperature, that can cause the gyroscope to drift. The design and calibration of the gyroscope also play a role in its accuracy.

5. How is a gyroscope used in navigation systems?

Gyroscopes are used in navigation systems to determine the orientation and position of a device or vehicle. They work together with other sensors, such as accelerometers and magnetometers, to provide accurate and continuous navigation data. In some cases, gyroscopes can also be used as a backup for traditional navigation methods like GPS.

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