# Toy gyroscope physics problem

1. Oct 28, 2007

### gills

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The rotor (flywheel) of a toy gyroscope has mass 0.140 kilograms. Its moment of inertia about its axis is 1.20 x10^-4 kilogram meters squared. The mass of the frame is 0.0250 kilograms. The gyroscope is supported on a single pivot with its center of mass a horizontal distance 4.00 centimeters from the pivot. The gyroscope is precessing in a horizontal plane at the rate of one revolution in 2.20 seconds.

(a) Find the upward force $$\vec{n}$$ exerted by the pivot.

(b)Find the angular speed w at which the rotor is spinning about its axis, expressed in revolutions per minute.

2. Relevant equations

$$\tau$$net = I*$$\alpha$$

F = ma

3. The attempt at a solution

I'm new to gyroscopes, so if anyone can point me in the right direction and help me step by step, that would be great!

2. Oct 28, 2007

### gills

Bueler? ...Bueler? ....Bueler? ....Bueler?

3. Oct 28, 2007

### gills

part (a) =

(m_gyro + m_frame)g = 1.617N

part(b)---working on it

4. Oct 29, 2007