Fixed End/Free end gyroscope movement
By
James Tripp
9/1/97

Introduction

To determine the movement of a gyroscope when one end is fixed in space, with rotational freedom, and the other end free to roam. The flywheel will be spun up to the manufacturers specification. One end of the frame will be suspended with a string, holding the end in position while allowing it to rotate freely. The other end will have no restrictions.

Experiment Specifications

Terminology

Equipement

  1. Gyroscope from a toy store.
  2. String

Variables to test

  1. End of Gyroscope to hold fixed.
  2. Rotation of spin.

To determine if the turning of the free end of the gyroscope is biased on the gyroscope, both ends will be tested to make sure that there is no mechanical reason for the turning. Determine if the turning is a constantly clockwise or counterclockwise, due to external forces. Determine if the turning is based on the direction of the flywheel.

I have the following setup, a Gyroscope with one end held by a string.
Gyroscope Held veritcally on a string

Results

Placement of string.
 Direction of spin.
From top. 		Result Picture
Left Away Spun Towards Gyrascope Held veritcally on a string
Left Towards Spun Away Gyrascope Held veritcally on a string
Right Away Spun Towards Gyrascope Held veritcally on a string
Right Towards Spun Away Gyrascope Held veritcally on a string

Conclusion

It is apparent that the turning of the gyroscope is based on the spin direction of the bottom part of the flywheel, and slightly downwards.
Gyrascope Held veritcally on a string
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