The problem involves calculating the torque exerted by an athlete's arm while holding a steel ball at different angles. It includes considerations of the arm's length and mass, as well as the mass of the ball, in the context of physics principles related to torque.
Some participants have made progress in calculating torque for the first scenario, while others express confusion regarding the second scenario and the use of trigonometric functions. There is a mix of attempts and questions, with no clear consensus on the correct approach for the second part of the problem.
Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions regarding angles and distances in torque calculations.
Jaklynn429 said:Homework Statement
An athlete at the gym holds a 2.2 kg steel ball in his hand. His arm is 74 cm long and has a mass of 4.0 kg. What is the magnitude of the torque about his shoulder if he holds his arm in each of the following ways?
1) Parallel out to his side
2) Straight but 35 M below the horizontalHomework Equations
t=rfThe Attempt at a Solution
I don't even know how to start this one :(
Jaklynn429 said:I got the first part by using
(4*.37) + (2.2*.74) = 3.108*9.8=30.46
Now I am having trouble with the second part, wouldn't I just use that answer times sin(35)? I get 17.468 and its telling me I am wrong.