Gyroscopic Flywheel Demonstration

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the gyroscopic flywheel lifting demonstration video.

Flywheel

A heavy rotating wheel that stores rotational energy; in the demo, 40 lb / 19 kg on a 1 m shaft.

Shaft

A long, rigid rod that transmits rotational motion from the flywheel; here, about one meter in length.

Torque

A twisting force that causes rotation; the flywheel’s weight produces a torque on the shaft.

Angular Momentum

The quantity of rotation of a body, conserved in the absence of external torques; keeps the spinning wheel stable.

Gyroscopic Precession

The phenomenon where a torque applied to a spinning object causes its axis to move at right angles to the applied force.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

A unit of rotational speed; the flywheel is spun to several thousand RPM in the experiment.

Mechanical Advantage

The perceived reduction in effort when lifting the spinning flywheel due to gyroscopic effects.

Apparatus

The custom‐built device (flywheel on shaft) used for the demonstration by the University of Sydney mechanical shop.

Scale Reading

Measurement of combined weight (person + flywheel) used to test if spinning alters apparent mass.

Precession Direction

The circular motion of the shaft’s tip caused by the weight‐generated torque acting on the spinning wheel.

Weightlessness Illusion

The sensation that the spinning flywheel feels nearly weightless because gyroscopic forces counteract downward torque.

Safety Check

Verifying ability to lift the non-spinning flywheel first, ensuring control before attempting the spinning lift.