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Why a helicopter does not spin
Age 14 · Physics
When the main rotor spins one way, the helicopter body is pushed to turn the opposite way. A small sideways tail rotor pushes the tail to cancel that turning.
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In the picture
- Main rotor spinning clockwise
- Cabin pushed to turn the opposite way
- Tail rotor mounted sideways at the end of the boom
- Sideways thrust that pushes the tail back
Examples
- Standing on a spinning office chair and throwing a heavy ball makes you turn the other way.
- When you unscrew a stiff jar lid, your body twists the opposite way unless your feet grip the floor.
Key takeaways
- Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, including spinning.
- A tail rotor gives a sideways push that stops the body from spinning.
Quiz: Why a helicopter does not spin (Age 14)
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Why does a helicopter body tend to turn when its main rotor spins?
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What does the small tail rotor do?
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The main rotor spins clockwise. Without a tail rotor, which way would the cabin turn?
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