Physics-ch11/ exercise 43
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Physics for Scientists and Engineers (9th Edition)

Chapter-11

Table of Content


Question 43





The angular momentum vector of a precessing gyroscope sweeps out a cone as shown in Figure P11.43. The angular speed of the tip of the angular momentum vector, called its precessional frequency, is given by wp = t/L, where t is the magnitude of the torque on the gyroscope and L is the magnitude of its angular momentum. In the motion called precession of the equinoxes, the Earth’s axis of rotation precesses about the perpendicular to its orbital plane with a period of yr. Model the Earth as a uniform sphere and calculate the torque on the Earth that is causing this precession where m = -kg , r = and te = .

q-43