The Gyroscope.

[Raptor]

I'm sure many of us have played with gyroscopes when we were young. These little contraptions are fascinating demonstrations of physics concepts, such as moment of inertia and torque. I have been messing around with mine, and I have a few questions to ask for those of you who are experts at physics. Would a gyroscope precess if there are no external force applied on it? Suppose we have frictionless bearings and zero wind resistance, and a force is applied on the axis of rotation. Would the gyroscope precess? Would there be gyroscopic forces resisting the applied force?

Suppose I try to change the orientation of a gyroscope. How do I calculate the gyroscopic force based on the applied force?

[Raptor]

Anyone can help me a bit on this?

[Dreaming Of Pandora]

I'm only a physics student so I can't exactly say I know exactly what will happen. Didn't google searching find your answer? If I ever have a question like that I usually go to a physics forum (nerdy I know ).

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Of Pandora

I'm only a physics student so I can't exactly say I know exactly what will happen. Didn't google searching find your answer? If I ever have a question like that I usually go to a physics forum (nerdy I know ).

Google confused me even more.

This is one of the most difficult things for me to visualize.

EDIT: Through some research, I think I got things figured out. It's still hard.