Why do moving objects stay balanced

  • Thread starter yup790
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In summary, the stability of a moving object depends on various factors. While rolling objects stay upright due to the gyroscopic effect, it is not the only way to achieve stability. A bicycle can also be stable without gyroscopic effects, as demonstrated by replacing the wheels with curved ice skate blades and maintaining proper steering geometry. This has been extensively discussed on Physics Forums and in research papers.
  • #1
yup790
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Why do gyrascopes or things moving in a stright line not fall over. Probably a simple answer but i cannot work it out.
 
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  • #2
Whether a thing moving in a straight line falls over or not depends on a number of factors. Try to send a single ice skate along the surface some time. You'll see that it does fall over quite easily. Rolling things don't fall over because of gyroscopic effect. And gyroscopic effect has to do with torque and angular momentum. If you look up gyroscope on Wikipedia, it will get you started. If you'll have specific questions later on, ask them.
 
  • #3
K^2 said:
Try to send a single ice skate along the surface some time.
It would be possible to replace the wheels of a bicycle with large curved ice skate like blades (non-rolling) and because of the steering geometry, the bike would be stable, without any gyroscopic effects.
 
  • #4
Yes. I never insisted that gyroscopic effect is the only way to achieve stability. Not sure where you got that from. Just wanted to show a clear example of a situation where the object is most certainly unstable, and a lone skate definitely qualifies.
 
  • #5
rcgldr said:
It would be possible to replace the wheels of a bicycle with large curved ice skate like blades (non-rolling) and because of the steering geometry, the bike would be stable, without any gyroscopic effects.
No, that is not true. A bicycle is stable precisely because of the rotation of the wheels, not any "steering geometry".
 
  • #6
HallsofIvy said:
No, that is not true. A bicycle is stable precisely because of the rotation of the wheels, not any "steering geometry".

This has been discussed at length on Physics Forums. Search previous threads. Research groups have literally constructed bikes without gyroscopic effects and they still stay upright when in motion, even without a human pilot, because of the steering geometry.

See this article for instance.
 

FAQ: Why do moving objects stay balanced

Why do moving objects stay balanced?

Moving objects stay balanced because of the principle of inertia, which states that an object in motion will continue moving in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. This means that as long as there is no external force causing the object to tilt or fall, it will maintain its balance and continue moving in a straight line.

How does the shape of an object affect its balance while moving?

The shape of an object can affect its balance while moving in several ways. For example, objects with a wider base tend to be more stable and less likely to tip over, while objects with narrow or uneven bases may be more prone to losing their balance. Additionally, the weight distribution of an object can also impact its balance while moving.

Can a moving object ever lose its balance?

Yes, a moving object can lose its balance if acted upon by an external force. This could be due to a sudden change in direction, a change in the object's weight distribution, or an uneven surface causing the object to tilt or fall. In these cases, the object's inertia may not be enough to maintain its balance and it may tip or fall.

How does friction play a role in balancing moving objects?

Friction is an important factor in balancing moving objects, as it can provide the necessary force to counteract any external forces that may cause the object to lose its balance. For example, when riding a bicycle, the friction between the wheels and the ground helps to keep the bike balanced and moving in a straight line.

Are there any other factors besides inertia and friction that contribute to balancing moving objects?

Yes, there are other factors that can contribute to balancing moving objects, such as the object's center of mass and its rotational stability. The center of mass is the point at which an object's weight is evenly distributed, and objects with a lower center of mass are generally more stable and less likely to tip over. Rotational stability refers to the object's ability to resist rotation, and objects with a wider base or a larger contact area with the ground tend to have higher rotational stability.

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