Why is there no helicoptor with a single rotor?

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SUMMARY

Helicopters utilize dual rotor systems to counteract the torque produced by a single rotor, preventing uncontrolled spinning. The discussion highlights that while some helicopters feature rotors on vertical axes rotating in opposite directions, others employ a horizontal rotor with a tail rotor for stability. The physics of rotational motion and momentum are crucial in understanding why single rotor designs are impractical. The motor imparts angular momentum to the rotor, which must be balanced to maintain stability.

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amberlyp
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All helicopters have two rotors. Some have both rotors on vertical axes but rotating in opposite directions, and the rest have one rotor on a horizontal axis perpendicular to the helicopter body at the tail. Why is a single rotor never used? :frown:
 
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To prevent the helicopter from spinning in circles, I believe.
 
i think i have to relate it to energy and momentum and all that great stuff...
 
okay. What physical quantity does the motor "impart" to the rotor? (Hint: it puts it into rotational motion right? So how is that measured as a "quantity?") If so, does an equal and opposite amount of this quantity get "imparted" back to the helicopter?
 

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