Can Friction Cause Torque & Work on Rolling Objects?

AI Thread Summary
Kinetic friction can indeed cause torque and result in rotation if its line of action does not pass through the center of mass. Static friction can also do work on a rolling object, particularly when the object is sliding and rolling simultaneously. The increase in rotational kinetic energy indicates that static friction can contribute to this process. However, it is important to distinguish between static and kinetic friction, as the latter applies when an object is sliding while rolling. Understanding the role of friction is crucial in analyzing torque and work in rolling objects.
kolua
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can kinetic friction cause a torque? (can it result in rotation)
Or is it that only static friction can cause a torque?

Can static friction do work on a rolling object?
I think it can? because the rotational kinetic energy is increasing? is this right?
HELP!
 
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First question response: Ask your self "what is the result of friction?" and "what does it take to create torque?" and you should see the answer to your question.

Second question response: The answer to the first question should let you know if the second statement is true.
 
kolua said:
can kinetic friction cause a torque? (can it result in rotation)
Or is it that only static friction can cause a torque?
Yes it can: if the line of action of the friction force doesn't go through the center of mass, then that force represents a torque.
Can static friction do work on a rolling object?
I think it can? because the rotational kinetic energy is increasing? is this right?
HELP!
Yes it can: if the object is sliding and rolling you can have what you describe. So in exercises the term "rolling without sliding" may appear to exclude that.

[edit]JBA was faster !
 
Your are right in both of your answers except wrong in your statement about "static" friction applying to sliding while rolling, because that is kinetic friction; which, can also create torque and rotation while sliding.
 
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