Calculate Torque About Axis B: F, θ, ϕ, π Involved

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the torque τB about axis B due to a force F, with specific reference to angles θ and ϕ, and the position of point B in Cartesian coordinates. Participants are tasked with expressing the torque in terms of these variables.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the angle θ and the torque calculation, questioning whether the correct expression involves π/2 + θ or π/2 - θ. There is an attempt to clarify the definition of the angle α in relation to the vectors involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the correct angle to use in the torque formula. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the angles and the sine function, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of their homework guidelines, which may limit the information they can share. The definitions of the angles and their relationships to the vectors are under scrutiny, indicating potential misunderstandings that need to be addressed.

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Homework Statement


What is the torque τB about axis B due to the force F⃗ ? (B is the point at Cartesian coordinates (0,b), located a distance b from the origin along the y axis.)
Express the torque about axis B in terms of F, θ, ϕ, π, and/or other given coordinate data.
1011154B.jpg

Homework Equations

[/B]
τ = RF sin (θ)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I know that the answer is Tb = bFsin (pi/2+θ)
What I don't understand is how to get pi/2+θ?
I know that θ is the angle between r vector and F vector and since that's the case shouldn't the answer be pi/2-θ?
 

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Can you please show us your own effort? What did you get?
 
Orodruin said:
Can you please show us your own effort? What did you get?
Well I thought the answer was Tb = bFsin (pi/2-θ) but that's obviously wrong. I would like to know why. My homework says that alpha is the angle between r vector and F vector therefore I thought that it would be pi/2-θ.
 
The angle ##\alpha## is drawn in the figure. Note that the vector ##\vec r## is the vector from the point relative to which you want to know the torque to the point where the force acts. In this case the vector from B to A.

Edit: Also note that, since what matters is the component of ##\vec F## perpendicular to ##\vec r##, it does not matter if you use ##\alpha## or ##\pi - \alpha## since
$$
\sin(\pi - \alpha) = \sin(\pi)\cos(\alpha) - \cos(\pi)\sin(\alpha) = 0 + \sin(\alpha) = \sin(\alpha).
$$
It holds that
$$
\sin(\pi/2 - \theta) = \sin(\pi/2)\cos(\theta) - \sin(\theta)\cos(\pi/2) = \cos(\theta)\sin(\pi/2)
= \cos(\theta)\sin(\pi/2) + \sin(\theta)\cos(\pi/2) = \sin(\pi/2 + \theta).
$$
 

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