Experiment # 10

Gyroscopic Effect

Objective:
To understand how the gyroscope works with the connection of speed direction and
mass.

Apparatus:
The following are the equipment that were used in order to carry out the experiment.

• TQ TM104 Gyroscope apparatus

• Two speed control units
• Electronic tachometer

Diagram:

Figure 10.1

34
Theory:
A gyroscope is defined as a rigid rotating object, symmetric about one axis.
Generations of children, back at least to Greek antiquity, have found fascination in
the behavior of tops, to give the gyroscope its common name. Several eminent
physicists have also found the complex behavior of spinning objects a matter of
interest and a fit subject for detailed analysis. More recently, very carefully
engineered gyroscopes were used for navigation because the axis of spin points in a
nearly fixed direction when external torques are small. This makes the gyroscope a
good replacement for a magnetic compass, particularly in regions where magnetic
compasses are unreliable.

One of the most interesting areas in the science of rotational dynamics is the study of
spinning solid objects, tops, hoops, wheels, etc. From the gyrocompass (which
indicates true North, rather than Magnetic North) to an understanding of how a
cyclist turns corners, the applications of this field of study are both practical and
fascinating.

Procedure:

• Place the protective hood in the retaining ring.

• Turn the two speed potentiometers to zero.
• Switch the motor for the gyro(precession)
• With the speed potentiometer run up the desired rotational speed.
• Switch on the motor for the frame (gyroscope).
• With the speed potentiometer increase the rotational speed until the balance is
horizontally aligned.
• Make a note of both rotational speeds

35
 Observation and Calculations:

Radius r in m Moment Rotational Rotational Moment MK Deviation in %

MW in Nm Speed of gyro Speed of in Nm
ne (rev/min) frame nF
(rev/min)

36
Conclusion:

______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
37