Why Does Calculating Torque Away from the Center of Mass Cause Confusion?

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Calculating torque about a point other than the center of mass can lead to confusion because the net torque cannot simply be equated to Iα in such scenarios. When analyzing a uniform rod with a force applied at one end, the torque about that end is zero, resulting in zero angular acceleration. However, the center of mass is still accelerating due to the applied force, which complicates the relationship between linear and angular motion. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the reference point when calculating torque and acceleration. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately analyzing rotational dynamics.
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Tell me where I've gone wrong (here r(1,2) means position of point 1 with respect to point 2 etc):

ω x r(1,2)=v(1,2)
Differentiating both sides with respect to time:
ω x v(1,2) + \alpha x r(1,2) = a(1,2)
=>ω x (ω x r(1,2)) + \alpha x r(1,2) = a(1,2)

Now let us imagine a uniform rod in free space of length l and mass m, lying with the origin at its centre. A force F(+\hat{j}) is applied at one end (+l/2\hat{i}). We observe the motion about centre of mass first at time 0:
Icm=ml2/12
\tau=+l/2\hat{i} x F\hat{j}=F*l/2\hat{k}.
\alpha=6F/(m*l) \hat{k}
Now since ω=0,
a(cm, positive end)=6F/(m*l) \hat{k} x l/2\hat{i}= 3F/m \hat{j}

Now we observe the motion about the positive end:
\tau=0 (since the force is applied at that very point)
=> \alpha=0
ω=0
Hence a(positive end, cm)=0
=>a(cm, positive end)=0

What have I done wrong? :(
Edit: By positive end I mean the end which is on the positive side of the x axis.
 
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transparent said:
Now we observe the motion about the positive end:
\tau=0 (since the force is applied at that very point)
=> \alpha=0
ω=0
Hence a(positive end, cm)=0
=>a(cm, positive end)=0

What have I done wrong? :(
Things aren't so simple when you take torques with respect to an accelerating point other than the center of mass. You cannot set net torque equal to Iα in such a case.
 
Doc Al said:
Things aren't so simple when you take torques with respect to an accelerating point other than the center of mass. You cannot set net torque equal to Iα in such a case.

Why? And isn't the centre of mass accelerated?

Edit: Didn't read "other than the centre of mass" part. But still, why is it so?
 
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