How Does Force Direction Affect Rotation in Physics Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how the direction of forces affects rotation in physics problems, particularly when calculating moments about different points. Participants are examining scenarios involving forces acting on masses and their resulting rotational directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force direction and rotation, questioning how to determine the direction of rotation based on the point of application of the force. Some explore the use of thumb rules for visualizing moments, while others seek clarification on the reasoning behind the expected rotational direction.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the use of thumb rules and questioning their necessity. Some have provided examples to illustrate their points, while others express confusion about determining the direction of forces and moments.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of moments and rotational dynamics, with some expressing uncertainty about the application of rules and the clarity of force direction in diagrams.

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Homework Statement


Taking moment about A , the mass of 2.0g and 0.50g is rotated in the clockwise direction is because they are both directed in downwards position ? while R2 is acted in upward direction , so it is rotated in counter clockwise direction ?

Taking moment about G , why R1 is rotated in the clockwise direction ? while 2.0g and R2 is rotated in anticlockwise direction ?

How to determine the direction of rotation ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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goldfish9776 said:

Homework Statement


Taking moment about A , the mass of 2.0g and 0.50g is rotated in the clockwise direction is because they are both directed in downwards position ? while R2 is acted in upward direction , so it is rotated in counter clockwise direction ?

Taking moment about G , why R1 is rotated in the clockwise direction ? while 2.0g and R2 is rotated in anticlockwise direction ?

How to determine the direction of rotation ?

It depends 1.) on the direction of the force and 2.) the point of application of the force relative to the reference point about which the moments are taken.

Compare the direction of the moment of a force taken about A to the direction of the moment for the same force taken about G.

If it helps, imagine a see-saw.
 
SteamKing said:
n of the force and 2.) the point of
SteamKing said:
It depends 1.) on the direction of the force and 2.) the point of application of the force relative to the reference point about which the moments are taken.

Compare the direction of the moment of a force taken about A to the direction of the moment for the same force taken about G.

If it helps, imagine a see-saw.
For taking moment about G , I tried determine the direction of rotation using the thumb rule , I found the ans is correct . For the forces on the left G , I use LEFT HAND THUMB RULE , I found it should rotate in clockwise because of the R1 acted in upwards direction .

My question is can I determine the direction of rotation in this way ? is LEFT HAND THUMB RULE exist in physics?
 
goldfish9776 said:
For taking moment about G , I tried determine the direction of rotation using the thumb rule , I found the ans is correct . For the forces on the left G , I use LEFT HAND THUMB RULE , I found it should rotate in clockwise because of the R1 acted in upwards direction .

My question is can I determine the direction of rotation in this way ? is LEFT HAND THUMB RULE exist in physics?
You can certainly use a thumb rule to figure it out, though I don't understand why you need it here. Isn't it obvious which way each force tends to turn about the chosen axis?
Whether it's LH or RH rule depends on how you assign your fingers to the different vectors.
 
haruspex said:
You can certainly use a thumb rule to figure it out, though I don't understand why you need it here. Isn't it obvious which way each force tends to turn about the chosen axis?
Whether it's LH or RH rule depends on how you assign your fingers to the different vectors.
Why you said it is obvious to figure out the force turn about the chosen axis ? I have problem of finding out the direction of the force...Can you give me an example and explain on it ?
 
goldfish9776 said:
Why you said it is obvious to figure out the force turn about the chosen axis ? I have problem of finding out the direction of the force...Can you give me an example and explain on it ?
The force points in the direction of the arrow head in the diagram. That's how vectors like forces are generally represented graphically.
 
goldfish9776 said:
Why you said it is obvious to figure out the force turn about the chosen axis ? I have problem of finding out the direction of the force...Can you give me an example and explain on it ?
Take this example:
goldfish9776 said:
Taking moment about G , why R1 is rotated in the clockwise direction ?
Consider G as a pivot. R1 is an upward force at A, to the left of the pivot. Ignore all other forces for the moment. If you were to push up on the rod at A, which way would you expect the rod to turn?
 
haruspex said:
Take this example:

Consider G as a pivot. R1 is an upward force at A, to the left of the pivot. Ignore all other forces for the moment. If you were to push up on the rod at A, which way would you expect the rod to turn?
clockwise . Lol , the principle is easy to understand , why didn't I think of this ? *facepalm*
 

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