Determine the magnitude of the torque

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    Magnitude Torque
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnitude of torque produced by a weight held in a person's hand, with specific measurements related to the distances from the elbow and shoulder. The subject area pertains to mechanics, specifically the concept of torque in rotational dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for torque and the appropriate units to use, with some questioning the correctness of the lever arm distances and the force calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the units of measurement and the application of the torque formula. There is an acknowledgment of a potential misunderstanding regarding the conversion between units, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the use of centimeters versus meters in the calculations, which may affect the results. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations and seeks clarification on basic concepts.

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Homework Statement


A 25.0 N weight is held in the outstretched hand of a person with a shoulder-to-elbow length of 26.0 cm and an elbow-to-wrist length of 22.5 cm. The center of the weight is 7.5 cm from the person's wrist. A) Determine the magnitude of the torque about the elbow produced by the weight and B) Determine the magnitude of the torque about the shoulder produced by the weight.

http://educog.com/res/fsu/capalibrary/24equilibrium/Graphics/prob22a.gif​
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Homework Equations


Well, I can think of a few ways to solve for torque:

t = lF
tnet = I[tex]\alpha[/tex]
tnet = I[tex]\alpha[/tex]
(I = mr2)
(F = ma)

The Attempt at a Solution


Alright, well, for the first equation I knew that t = lF, where l is the lever arm distance and F is the force in Newtons.
l = 30.1 (a), 56.1(b)
F = ma
F = 2.55 x 9.81 = 25 (given)
t = 25 x 30.1 [56.1]
t = 752.5 NM [1403 NM]
Something is clearly not right here, help! I can tell I'm missing something basic, but I don't know what.
 
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Check your units.
 


Centimeters? Was it centimeters the whole time?
 


It wasn't because you used Nm for the torque when it should be N*cm.
 


No, that's what I meant. I hadn't noticed that it was cm instead of m! Thank you!
 

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