Function of Gyroscopes: Spinning Indefinitely

AI Thread Summary
Gyroscopes do not spin indefinitely due to the effects of friction and air resistance, regardless of their orientation. Even when powered, friction in the bearings and centripetal forces will eventually slow the gyroscope down. The orientation of the gyroscope does not significantly impact its ability to maintain motion, as gravity will always exert a force on it. Ultimately, all mechanical gyroscopes will stop spinning over time due to these frictional forces. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping gyroscopic mechanics.
Werg22
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I know the function of gyroscopes and the way a disc always spin perpendicularly to a moving axis. My question is, when a gyroscope is not spinning perpendicularly to the ground, how does it still keep on spinning indefinitely since friction now affects the mechanism?
 
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It doesn't.

If this gyroscope is not powered (as with toy gyroscopes), friction will play its part in slowing down the disc. If the gyroscope is powered (as with most gyroscopes with a practical purpose) then the motor provides the force needed to overcome the friction in the bearings.
 
But if it is perpendicular to the ground it theorically never stops right?
 
Werg22 said:
But if it is perpendicular to the ground it theorically never stops right?

Theoretically, if no force opposes the motion, then it will keep going. However, you'll always have some friction in the bearings and some air resistance slowing things down.
 
Yeah, but the centripetal force also causes friction between the disc and and the bar so it won't spin indefinitely, no?
 
I don't know what you're asking.

It doesn't keep on going forever, because of friction. It will not spin indefinitely.
 
I mean ignoring air friction, there is friction between the disc and the bar caused by the centripetal force...
 
Werg22 said:
I mean ignoring air friction, there is friction between the disc and the bar caused by the centripetal force...


Yes! There is!

What is your question?
 
Werg22 said:
But if it is perpendicular to the ground it theorically never stops right?

Not really. When you take friction into account, the gyroscope eventually stops. The orientation of the gyroscope really doesn't matter (I'm not sure why you think it's important).
 
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Because gravity will have a component in the spinning direction.
 
  • #11
no mechanical toy that i know of will go forever. friction is like the grinch or whatever. same in your gyroscope.

does anyone know how they work...?
 

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