How Is Torque Related to Frictional Force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between torque and frictional force, particularly in the context of a box spinning on the ground. Participants explore how torque is influenced by friction and the implications of contact area on these forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the connection between angular friction (torque) and linear frictional force.
  • Another participant states the relationship between torque and force as T = r × F.
  • A participant describes a scenario involving a box on the ground, discussing static and kinetic friction coefficients and the equations governing angular motion.
  • Concerns are raised about the application of the torque formula when the box has full contact with the ground, leading to confusion about the variable r.
  • It is noted that friction is independent of contact area and is described by the equation F_friction = μN, where N is the normal force.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of torque for point contacts and the challenge of determining torque when the box spins around the ground normal.
  • One participant suggests multiplying the frictional force by the distance from the center of rotation to find the torque that would stop the box from spinning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to apply torque concepts to a box in full contact with the ground, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between torque and frictional force in this specific scenario.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of how the scalar nature of r applies to a situation involving full contact area, as well as the dependence of frictional force on the normal force rather than contact area.

PJani
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I am trying to figure out how exactly Angular friction ("torque") is connected with friction force.

Is there any connection between torque friction and force friction?
 
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Well torque is related to force by T=rxF
 
Yes i know for that relation but what if i have box on the ground which fully touches ground with all bottom area. Which i spin and i know that static friction is k_s and kinetic is k_k. How can i figure out when box will stop rotating?

Box has some moment of inertia and some mass...

I know that formula is.
[tex]\omega = 0[/tex]

[tex]\omega = \omega_0 + \alpha t[/tex]

[tex]\tau = I \alpha[/tex]

If i toss around elements
[tex]\frac{(\omega - \omega_0)}{\alpha} = t[/tex]

[tex]\alpha = \frac{\tau}{I}[/tex]

and if i join equations together
[tex]\frac{(0 - \omega_0) I}{\tau} = t[/tex]

then what the heck is torque(T)? If i insert [tex]\tau = r \times F[/tex] Then i have missing variable r.
 
r would be the distance from the center to where the force is applied.
 
Yes i know, that why i can't get it because box spins on ground and it has full contact on ground whole area is in contact. That why i can't figure out what i could do with r. because r is scalar and not contact area!
 
PJani said:
Yes i know, that why i can't get it because box spins on ground and it has full contact on ground whole area is in contact. That why i can't figure out what i could do with r. because r is scalar and not contact area!

Friction is independent of area and given by Ffriction= μN where N is the normal reaction.
 
I can use [tex]\tau = r \times F[/tex] for point contacts with ground and then calculate produced torque. Which gives me no problem.

But what if i spin box around ground normal. how can i get then torque which will stop the box from spining on ground?
 
Multiply the frictional force by the distance from the center of rotation.
 

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