How does a gyroscope react to external torque and gravitational forces?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of gyroscopes when subjected to external torque and gravitational forces. When a gyroscope's rotation around the vertical axis is halted, gravity induces precession. If an external torque is applied to counteract this precession, the gyroscope will gently fall to the ground rather than dropping abruptly, as it continues to exert precession torque despite a lack of change in angular momentum. This nuanced interaction between torque and gravitational forces is critical for understanding gyroscopic motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gyroscopic motion and principles
  • Familiarity with torque and angular momentum concepts
  • Basic knowledge of precession in physics
  • Experience with mathematical representations of physical phenomena, such as Latex
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  • Research the principles of gyroscopic precession in detail
  • Explore the mathematical equations governing torque and angular momentum
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Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of rotating systems will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on gyroscopic applications and behaviors under external influences.

Bull85
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Hello,

I would like to know how react the gyroscope like in this video:

http://gyroscope.com/youtube.asp?movie=4KlddP16uuU

if I stop the rotate around vertical axis. The gravity cause the precession but if I place an object in front of the gyroscope how does it works ?

Thanks

Bull
 
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I think Bull is asking: If we were to apply an external torque to resist the induced precession torque, would the gyroscope drop to the ground as if it had no gyroscopic action at all, or would it gently fall to the ground, since some of it's torque due to gravity in the theta direction is still being converted into a precession torque in the phi direction?

I believe if we were to apply a counter-torque to the precession torque, the gryoscope would gently fall the the ground, since it's still exerting the precession torque, it just isn't accompanied by a change in angular momentum. I tried putting up some Latex, but it looks like Latex is down.

Can anyone comment on this?
 
Last edited:

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