how does a gyrocompass work?

Answer 1

A gyrocompass is essentially a gyroscope, a spinning wheel mounted so that the wheel's axis is free to orient itself in any way. Because of the law of conservation of angular momentum, such a wheel will maintain its original orientation. Since the Earth rotates, it appears to a stationary observer on Earth that a gyroscope's axis is rotating once every 24 hours; the axis always points to the same star. Such a rotating gyroscope cannot be used for navigation. The crucial additional ingredient needed for a gyrocompass is friction: the gyroscope is in fact not completely free to reorient itself; if for instance a device connected to the axis is immersed in a viscous fluid, then that fluid will resist reorientation of the axis. This friction force caused by the fluid results in a torque acting on the axis, causing the axis to turn in a direction orthogonal to the force. Over time, this has the effect that the axis will point to true North (to the North star), at which point the axis will appear to be stationary and won't experience any more friction forces.

This is because true North is the only direction for which the gyroscope can remain on the surface of the earth and not be required to change. This is considered to be a point of minimum potential energy.

Answer 2

Gyroscopes measure acceleration. Gyrocompasses are set to a known direction and then measure any turning (angular accel) that occur.

Answer 3

Gyro Compass

Answer 4

Gyrocompass

Answer 5

while eating a GYRO, grab a compass, and see what is says then eat the gyro in the direction North is facing

Answer 6

A rotating compass, gee, what a novel approach.

Answer 7

It doesn t. Illegal aliens stole it s job.