Vertical force exerted by a spinning non-perpendicular gyroscope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the vertical force exerted by a spinning gyroscope within a tilted wooden box, specifically addressing whether the weight shown on a scale would be less than 1 kg when the gyroscope is spinning. The scope includes theoretical considerations of forces, acceleration, and the behavior of gyroscopes in a tilted position.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the weight would be thought to be less when the gyroscope is spinning.
  • One participant suggests applying Newton's laws to analyze the acceleration of the center of mass and the forces required for that acceleration.
  • A participant shares video resources that may illustrate the concepts discussed, indicating a visual approach to understanding the gyroscopic effects.
  • Another participant acknowledges that the gyroscope does not weigh less but seeks to clarify the nature of the gyroscopic effect and its implications on force direction and manifestation.
  • A proposed simplification of the gyroscopic effect is presented, suggesting that a force applied to the rim of the gyroscope travels 90 degrees along the rim in the direction of rotation before manifesting, regardless of rotational speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the gyroscope does not weigh less when spinning, but there is ongoing debate regarding the nature of the gyroscopic effect and how forces are transmitted in this context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these effects.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the forces acting on the system and the definitions of weight and force in this specific scenario. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in analyzing the forces at play.

aeroseek
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A wooden box on a weighing scale weighs 1 kg. Inside the box is a gyroscope which is set spinning, and the box is now tilted at 45 degrees to the vertical and maintains this position due to the gyroscope inside.

What is the weight shown on the scale - is it 1 kg or less than 1 kg? Why is this?

Some contradictory answers here:

http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/33866/does-a-toy-top-weigh-less-when-it-is-spinning
 
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Why would you think it would weigh less?
 
Apply Newtons laws. What is the acceleration of the center of mass? What force is required to make that acceleration?
 
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeyDf4ooPdo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLMpdBjA2SU
 
Last edited:
Great video A.T.! Thanks for posting. (Be sure to view the follow up explanatory videos. I remember the nonsense from Laithwaite some years back.)
 
Great video - I guess you guys can answer anything! Granted the gyroscope does not weigh less.

The question is then what effect does the gyroscope exhibit and why?

I used to simplify its effect as the following rule - push on the rim of a gyroscope and the force travels 90 degrees along the rim of the gyroscope in the direction of rotation before manifesting itself - any force takes effect not at the point of action but some place further along the rim - regardless of rotational speed? Why?
 

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