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Torque

The document explains torque as the rotational equivalent of force, detailing how it is measured and the factors affecting it, including the magnitude, location, and direction of the applied force. It also covers static equilibrium conditions, the concept of center of mass versus center of gravity, and stability principles in real-life applications. Examples and calculations are provided to illustrate these concepts.

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10 views15 pages

Torque

The document explains torque as the rotational equivalent of force, detailing how it is measured and the factors affecting it, including the magnitude, location, and direction of the applied force. It also covers static equilibrium conditions, the concept of center of mass versus center of gravity, and stability principles in real-life applications. Examples and calculations are provided to illustrate these concepts.

Uploaded by

kairidila
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TORQUE

Torque
• A torque is the rotational counterpart of force.
• The tendency of a force to twist a rigid object. ◦ We measure
the “twist” from a point where the object can pivot, often
called the fulcrum point.
Force Torque
Force tends to change the Torque tends to twist or change
motion of things the state of rotation of things
If you want to make a stationary If you want to make a stationary
move, apply force rotate, apply torque
Torque occurs when you apply a force with a perpendicular
component to a lever or length away from a rotating point.
Sign Convention for Torque
Counterclockwise +
(out of the paper)
Clockwise (into paper) -

Formula:
τ =rF τ = Torque , Nm
τ =rF sin F = Force, N
r = Lever arm (length), m
FACTORS AFFECTING TORQUE
1. The magnitude of the applied force.
Torque increases when the force itself
increases.

2. The location/distance of the applied


force.
Torque increases as distance away from the fulcrum a
perpendicular force is applied.
3. The direction of the applied force.
• Torque decreases as force at
an angle away from the
perpendicular direction
increases.
• Thus, perpendicular force
gives the most torque and
parallel none
Why are the doorknobs placed at the edge of a door rather than in
the center?
Example 1 Biceps Torque
The biceps muscle exerts a vertical force on the lower arm, bent as
shown in the figure below. Calculate the torque about the axis of
rotation through the elbow joint, assuming the muscle is attached 5 cm
from the elbow as shown.
Given Equation Solution and Substitution
r = 5 cm = 0.05 m τ = rF τ = rF
F = 700 N = (0.05m) (700N)
= 35 Nm
Unknown:
τ=?
Try This!
You are trying to loosen a rusty bolt by using a wrench. You apply
250 N of force to try to turn it counterclockwise. Determine the
torque if you hold the wrench (a) 3.00 cm and (b) 12.0 cm from the
bolt.
Given: Unknown: Solution:
F = 250 N τa = ? τa = F ra
ra = 3.00 cm = .03m τb = ? = (250N) (0.03m)
rb = 12.00 cm = .12m τa = 7.5 Nm
τb = F r b
= (250N) (0.12m)
τb =30 Nm
STATIC EQUILIBRIUM
Statics is concerned with the calculation of forces acting on and within
structures that are in equilibrium.

Static equilibrium is defined as a body at rest having zero acceleration


and zero net force.

Conditions must be met for an object to maintain static equilibrium


1. The net force acting on the object must be zero: Σ F = 0
2. The net torque acting on the object must be zero: Σ τ = 0
Equilibrium or Not?

Condition Equation State


First Condition ΣF ≠ 0 Moves
Second Condition Στ ≠ 0 Rotates

Condition Equation State


First Condition ΣF = 0 At rest
Second Condition Στ = 0 No Rotation
CENTER OF MASS
The average position of all the mass that makes up the object.
Symmetrical Object Asymmetrical Object
• Its center of mass is at 1. Table edge method
its geometrical center • Can be used to find the
center of mass of small rigid
objects with at least one flat
side.
2. Plumb line method
• useful for objects which can
be suspended freely about a
point of rotation.
Center of Mass Center of Gravity
The point of the body at which total The point of the body at which total
mass of the body appears to be weight of the body acts and total
concentrated gravitational torque is zero
It depends on mass distribution It depends on the acceleration due to
gravity
In case of small and symmetrical In case of extended or non-
bodies where gravitational field is symmetrical bodies, where
uniform, center of mass and center of gravitational field is non-uniform ,
gravity of the body coincide with center of mass and center of gravity
each other. of the body does not coincide with
each other.
It may or may not be inside the body Always lie inside the body
Stability
• If the line from the center of gravity of an object of any shape
and it falls inside the base of the object, it is in stable
equilibrium; it will balance. If it falls outside the base, it is
unstable
Condition for Stability
1. Lower its center of gravity
2. Increase the area of its base
Real Life Applications
• The luggage compartment of a bus is
located at the bottom and not on the
roof
• For Double-decker bus, extra
passengers are not allowed on the
upper deck.
• Racing cars are built low and broad for
stability
• Bunsen burners, table lamps and fans
are designed with large, heavy bases to
make them stable.
• The legs of a baby’s high chair are set
wide apart so that the chair is stable.
STABILIZING THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA

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