The discussion centers on the calculation of torque produced by a force on a cylinder, specifically addressing the angle between the position vector (r) and the force vector (F). Participants clarify that the correct angle is 120 degrees, not 30 degrees, when determining torque using the formula τ = rFsin(θ). The confusion arises from the misinterpretation of vector orientation, emphasizing the importance of placing vectors tail-to-tail to accurately assess angles.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone involved in engineering applications requiring torque calculations.
It didn't say that. The angle between two vectors is obtained by putting them tail-to-tail. If you do that with r and F, you will get an angle of 120°. Then note that ##rF\sin(120^{\circ})=rF\cancel{\sin}\cos(30^{\circ}).##MatinSAR said:
You probably meant to write ##rF\sin(120^{\circ})=rF\cos(30^{\circ}).##kuruman said:
Yes, of course. Good catch.Steve4Physics said:
So the book is wrong since sin30 isn't equal to sin120 degrees... @Lnewqbankuruman said: