How do you determine 'r' in Torque calculations?

PhizKid · Dec 17, 2012

Homework Statement

Physics diagram of a nonuniform horizontal bar of length L hung by two cords from walls, one at angle theta and one at angle phi from the vertical; the center of mass is marked com and distance x is marked from the left end, with handwritten annotations below the bar.

Homework Equations

Torque = r * F * sin(x)

The Attempt at a Solution

The solution says that the 'R' I marked was L*cos(phi). I fail to see the geometry of how they got this...you have only one side and one right angle for that triangle...how can you solve for 'R'?

Doc Al · Dec 17, 2012

PhizKid said:

you have only one side and one right angle for that triangle...

You should be able to find the other angles, for example between the right hand rope and the bar.

How do you determine 'r' in Torque calculations?

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Discussion

Similar threads