Torque and the Two Conditions for Equilibrium

In summary, the correct answer for the force F_B that must be exerted by the biceps muscle to hold a 2 kg carton of milk at arm's length at an angle of 75 degrees is 312 N. This is found by taking the sum of the moments around the elbow joint and equating it to zero, and solving for F_B. The key is to consider rotational equilibrium and take into account the correct moment arm for the carton.
  • #1
dontcare
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A cook holds a 2 kg cartoon of milk at arm's length. What Force [tex] F_{B} [/tex] must be excerted by the biceps muscle? (Ignore the weight of the forearm) See figure attached. [tex] \theta = 75 degrees [/tex] Please help explain what I'm doing wrong. Correct answer is 312 N.

[tex] \Sigma\eta = F(sin 75)(.08 m) - (2 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(.25 m) = 67 N [/tex]

[tex] \Sigma F_{y} = F_{y} + (67 N)(sin 75) - (2kg)(9.8 m/s^2) = 0 [/tex]
[tex] F_{y} = -45.4 N [/tex]

[tex] \Sigma F_{x} = (67 N)(cos 75) [/tex]
[tex] F_{x} = 17 N [/tex]

[tex] F_{B} = \sqrt{-45.4^2 + 17^2} = 48. 5 N [/tex]
 

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  • #2
I don't really understand your work. You are solving for some variable F, which i don't know where it came from.

Draw a FBD if you haven't already. Your diagram should have the two forces that are given in the given diagram (Fb, Fm), and a force at the elbow. Treat the elbow as a pin joint. From there you should be able to see how you can solve for Fb.
 
  • #3
You need to take the moments around the elbow joint, so your moment arm for the carton is incorrect. Also look carefully at the diagram where the angle [itex]\theta[/itex] is defined. You only need to consider rotational equilibrium in order to solve this problem, that is the sum of the moments of the two forces around the elbow joint must be zero is all that need to be considered.
 
  • #4
Thanks

[tex] \Sigma\eta = F_{B} - F_{g} [/tex]
[tex] F_{B}(cos 75)(.08 m) = (2 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(.33 m) [/tex]
[tex] F_{B} = \frac{(2 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(.33 m)}{(cos 75)(.08 m)} = 312 N [/tex]
 
  • #5
Its a pleasure.
 

1. What is torque?

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate around an axis. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.

2. How is torque related to equilibrium?

Torque is one of the two conditions for equilibrium, along with net force. In order for an object to be in equilibrium, the net torque acting on it must be equal to zero. This means that the clockwise and counterclockwise torques must balance each other out.

3. What is the difference between static and dynamic equilibrium?

Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest and has no acceleration, while dynamic equilibrium occurs when an object is moving at a constant velocity. In both cases, the net torque and net force acting on the object are equal to zero.

4. How can you calculate torque?

To calculate torque, you need to know the force applied to an object and the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied. The formula for torque is T = F x d, where T is torque, F is force, and d is distance.

5. What factors affect the magnitude of torque?

The magnitude of torque depends on the force applied, the distance from the axis of rotation, and the angle between the force and the lever arm. Increasing any of these factors will increase the torque, while decreasing them will decrease the torque.

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