What is affected by rotor mass in a gyroscope?

Gyro rigidity, also known as rigidity of a gyroscope, is directly influenced by rotor mass. In a gyroscope, the mass of the rotor contributes significantly to its rotational inertia. The greater the mass of the rotor, the more difficult it is to change its orientation when it is spinning. This is because increased mass leads to greater angular momentum, which stabilizes the gyroscope and allows it to resist changes to its axis of rotation. Essentially, a heavier rotor will provide more resistance to tilting or accelerating around its axis, thereby exhibiting higher rigidity.

This principle is fundamental in applications where precision orientation is vital, such as in navigation systems, where the stability and resistance to perturbation provided by gyro rigidity play crucial roles in maintaining accurate directional information.