Torque due to reaction force at contact point of two objects

In summary, a reaction force at the contact point between a leaning object and the ground can produce a torque that cancels out the torque of the weight of the object. In general, any force can produce a torque about a point that is not on its line of action, and the magnitude of the torque can be calculated using the cross product of the moment arm and the force.
  • #1
Rasoul
5
0
Hi there, I would like to know that if we have an leaning object supported by another object, both are supported by ground floor to satisfy static equilibrium condition, does the reaction force at the contact point produce cancelling torque (for the leaning object)? In general, can a reaction force produce torque? If so, is the torque equal to moment arm that is from pivot point to the point the reaction force acting, cross product to the reaction force?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Rasoul! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Rasoul said:
Hi there, I would like to know that if we have an leaning object supported by another object, both are supported by ground floor to satisfy static equilibrium condition, does the reaction force at the contact point produce cancelling torque (for the leaning object)?

If you take torques (moments) about the pivot point (on the floor), then yes the torque of that reaction force will be equal and opposite to the torque of the weight (acting through the centre of mass).
In general, can a reaction force produce torque? If so, is the torque equal to moment arm that is from pivot point to the point the reaction force acting, cross product to the reaction force?

Every force produces a torque about any point that's not on its line of action.

And yes, that cross product formula is correct. :smile:
 

1. What is torque due to reaction force at contact point?

Torque due to reaction force at contact point is the rotational force that is exerted on an object when it comes into contact with another object. This force is perpendicular to the contact point and causes the object to rotate around an axis.

2. How is torque due to reaction force calculated?

To calculate torque due to reaction force, you need to multiply the magnitude of the reaction force by the distance between the contact point and the axis of rotation. This distance is known as the lever arm or moment arm. The resulting unit of torque is newton-meters (N*m).

3. What factors affect the torque due to reaction force?

The magnitude of the reaction force and the distance between the contact point and the axis of rotation are the main factors that affect torque due to reaction force. The angle at which the force is applied and the direction of rotation can also impact the torque.

4. How does torque due to reaction force affect rotational equilibrium?

In rotational equilibrium, the net torque acting on an object is equal to zero. Torque due to reaction force plays a crucial role in maintaining rotational equilibrium by counteracting other applied torques. It helps to keep an object in a stable, balanced position.

5. What are some real-world applications of torque due to reaction force?

Torque due to reaction force is used in many everyday activities such as opening a door, turning a steering wheel, and using a wrench. It is also essential in mechanical systems, such as engines and motors, where rotational motion is needed. Additionally, torque due to reaction force is utilized in sports, such as throwing a ball or swinging a golf club.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
856
Replies
5
Views
850
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
589
Replies
2
Views
754
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
759
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
959
Back
Top