# Force acting on rotatble object

1. Mar 18, 2005

### LonelyStar

Hi everybody,
I've the following problem:
I have a force "F" pulling a body at point "P" while the center of gravity of the body is at "A". The Body has a Moment of Inertia of "I" and a mass of "M".

The question is: What is the acceleration of the centre of gravity and what is the angular acceleration of the body.

If the centre of gravity would be fixed, I would know what to do, but it is not.
If "A-P" and "F" would be in linear relation to each other, the solution would be F=M*a, would it not?

But what happens in general?

Any help/Ideas?
Thanks!!!
Nathan

2. Mar 18, 2005

### Staff: Mentor

translation plus rotation

That force will produce a translational acceleration of the center of mass (F = ma) as well as exert a torque about the center of mass producing an angular acceleration about the center of mass ($\tau = I \alpha$).

3. Mar 18, 2005

### LonelyStar

OK, did not know that it is that simple. I thought there would be some special trick to it.
Thanks!
Nathan