Jump to content

Is it possible to construct a large functioning Gyroscope?

Featured Replies

I am wondering if a Gyroscope if built as tall as Mount Everest and also is able to be spun like a small Gyroscope can, will it function the same as a small Gyroscope will it balance in the air like  a Gyroscope? What happens if you keep building it bigger and bigger?

6 hours ago, John Harmonic said:

I am wondering if a Gyroscope if built as tall as Mount Everest and also is able to be spun like a small Gyroscope can, will it function the same as a small Gyroscope will it balance in the air like  a Gyroscope? What happens if you keep building it bigger and bigger?

It depends what you mean by possible. 

A gyroscope that large would, of course, work like a gyroscope. But you couldn’t build one because there isn’t a material strong enough to stop it collapsing under its own weight. 

On 25/09/2018 at 2:29 AM, John Harmonic said:

What happens if you keep building it bigger and bigger?

There's a very large gyroscope conveniently to hand. Wait around a few tens of thousands of years and you'll see it precess. Locals call it 'the earth.'

9 minutes ago, Carrock said:

There's a very large gyroscope conveniently to hand. Wait around a few tens of thousands of years and you'll see it precess. Locals call it 'the earth.'

I wish I had thought of that!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.