How do I find theta for calculating torque in a given situation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating torque and understanding the role of the angle θ in the torque equation. The original poster is trying to determine the correct angle to use in the context of a quiz question related to moments and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify how to find the angle θ in the torque equation, expressing confusion about its value and relevance. Some participants discuss the implications of using different angles and their effects on the sine function in the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the concept of torque and the relationship between the angle and the forces involved. There is acknowledgment of the angle's role in the torque calculation, but no consensus on the specific value of θ has been reached. Clarifications about terminology and the relationship between angles are being provided.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a specific quiz question and a provided moment value, indicating constraints related to their homework context. There is also mention of a free body diagram (FBD) that is part of their reasoning process.

Fischercr
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I failed this quiz, and I'm trying to understand b. I need to calculate the magnitude of force P which is necessary to create the same moment (I think it's torque in English?) about point B, knowing that alpha is 10 degrees. The moment in part a was -80Nm.

I now understand that I should have used the following equation:
M (about point B) = P * r * sin θ
80 Nm = P (0.5m) sin θ

However, I don't understand where theta is. How do I find theta in general for this equation? My TA wrote 120°, but I don't understand how to get this number. My FBD is below, and I wrote my guess at where θ is, but my guess can't be correct. Help me find theta, please.

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It doesn't matter if you use 60° (which you indicated in the sketch as angle between AB and the force) or 180°-60° = 120°, the sine of the angle is the same in both cases.
 
Thank you for your reply, mfb.

So in the equation
Moment (in French) = F * r * sin θ
θ is the angle between F and r?
 
Sure.

Torque is the English word.
 

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