How Is Torque Calculated on a Diving Board?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the torque exerted by a person on a diving board about a specific support post. The subject area is mechanics, specifically focusing on torque and rotational dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct point of reference for calculating torque and whether the original poster's approach was appropriate. There is a focus on the distances used in the torque calculation and the forces involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the point about which torque should be calculated. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's confusion regarding the reference point, and a correction has been suggested regarding the distance used in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster initially used an incorrect reference point for their torque calculation, which has led to some confusion in the discussion. The problem context includes specific distances and the weight of the person involved.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the torque (magnitude and direction) about the front support post (B) of a diving board , exerted by a 60 kg person 3.0 m from that post. See picture.

Homework Equations



τ = Fr

The Attempt at a Solution



τ clockwise = τ counterclockwise

(60 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(4.0 m) = τ counterclockwise

I used "A" as the origin. Did I approach this incorrectly?
 
Last edited:
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They asked you to compute the torque around point B.

Also, you just need to compute the torque due to the person
 
Oh I see. By using 4.0 m I considered the torque around point A.

(60 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(3.0 m) ≈ 1800 N * m
 
Seems okay
 

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