Gyro Compass Quiz

What is the primary advantage of a gyro compass over a magnetic compass?

• It is cheaper to maintain

• It is unaffected by magnetic fields

• It is smaller and more compact

• It requires no external power

Which principle is NOT utilized by the gyro compass?

• Earth's rotation

• Precession

• Magnetic variation

• Gravity

What force helps the gyro compass seek and maintain the true north?

• Electromagnetic force

• Gyroscopic inertia

• Centrifugal force

• Coriolis effect

Which phenomenon causes the spin axis of a gyro compass to trace a spiral towards true north?

• Gyroscopic inertia

• Precession

• Damping

• Earth's gravitational pull

What is the period of oscillation of a gyro compass due to precession?

• 50 minutes

• 60 minutes

• 84 minutes

• 90 minutes

Where is the directive force of a gyro compass the strongest?

• At the poles

• At the equator

• Mid-latitudes

• Near land masses

What is the purpose of mercury ballistics in a gyro compass?

• To reduce oscillations

• To dampen the spin of the gyro

• To align the compass with magnetic north

• To align the gyro with true north

In which direction does a gyroscope move when precession occurs?

• In the direction of the applied force

• Opposite to the applied force

• At right angles to the applied force

• Parallel to the force of gravity

Which component of the gyro compass converts DC to AC power?

• Motor generator

• Amplifier panel

• Voltage regulator

• Control panel

What happens when a ship changes course with respect to the gyro compass?

• The compass needle spins faster

• The phantom moves but the rotor continues to point north

• The compass loses its true north alignment

• The repeater compasses lose connection