The document discusses the physics behind how a gyroscope works. It describes how a gyroscope is able to maintain its orientation due to the principle of conservation of angular momentum. When a force is applied to the axle of a spinning gyroscope, it undergoes precession rather than tilting in the direction of the applied force. This phenomenon occurs because the spinning gyroscope resists changes to its axis of rotation. Gyroscopes have practical applications in navigation systems to help keep airplanes and rockets on their intended course or orbit.

1. Leader: Ferdinand B. Sta. Ana Jr. III-Rb<br />Members:<br />Camille Lames<br />Vannessa Lumauig<br />Dave Mendoza<br />Hubert Gines<br />Ray Gomez<br />Hans Yap<br />Ieoh Manuel<br />Dhominick Pagulayan<br />Ludhovik Madrid<br />The Gyroscope<br />What’s a Gyroscope?A gyroscope is a device used for measuring and maintaining orientation. It uses the principles of conservation of angular momentum. <br />10953751141095Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/3D_Gyroscope.png00Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/3D_Gyroscope.png<br />Figure 1. The gyroscope and its parts<br />The Physics Behind It

2. Conceptual

3. The gyroscope seems to be able to “defy gravity”. It is able to do so through precession.

4. Figure 2. A rotating gyroscope

5. In the wheel labelled 1, the gyroscope is rotating on its axis, while in the wheel labelled 2, a force is applied to try to rotate the spin axis. Lastly, in the wheel labelled 3, the gyroscope reacts to the applied force in an axis perpendicular to the applied force.

6. Figure 3. Graphical vector representation of the forces acting on the gyroscope after a force is applied on the axle

7. When the force is applied to the axle, the topmost point of the gyroscope will move to the left, and the lowest point of the gyroscope will move to the right (Fig. 3). This happens when the gyroscope because of Newton’s first law of motion.

8. Figure 4. The points still move on the same direction as the wheel rotates

9. This causes precession. When the topmost point rotates 90 degrees to the side, it continues to move to the left. The same is true for the lowest point. These forces rotate the wheel in the precession direction. As the points continue to rotate, their forces are cancelled, so the gyroscope's axle hangs in the air and undergoes precession.

10. Mathematical3581400512445Δθ00Δθ<br />Figure 5. A vector representation of the changes in momentum and orientation during precession<br />Based on Fig. 6, it can be concluded that τ= ΔLΔt. How? ΔL is in the same axis as τ, so the gyroscope swerves to the side. Due to this, it can be said that the torque applied on the wheel with the, in this case, wrist as the axis of rotation, is the change in momentum over change in time. <br />ωp = Δθ/ΔtBased on Fig. 5 and 6, Δθ ≈ ΔL/L, so ωp = ΔL/L Δt = τ/L. We can also arrive to this conclusion using cross product. <br />What is it for?The gyroscope is mainly used for identification of orientation. It has been used as a compass, aircraft orientation device and computer pointing devices. It is mostly used in internal navigation systems whenever magnetic compasses work. This allows an airplane to stay on course or a rocket ship travel in the desired orbit.<br />ReferencesBrain, M. (2000). How gyroscopes work. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/<br />gyroscope.htm on 20 February 2011<br /> Anonymous (n.d.). Angular momentum and gyroscopic precession. Retrieved from <br /> http://physics-animations.com/Physics/English/gyro_txt.htm on 20 February 2011<br />