Mechanical Equilibrium: Rotating w/No Net Torque

In summary, for an object to be in mechanical equilibrium, both the net torque and net force must be zero. Therefore, an object rotating with no net torque present, such as a sphere spinning about an axis of symmetry, is not considered to be in mechanical equilibrium. This is because there could still be a net force acting on the object. However, if the same object is moving with constant velocity through space, without rotating, it would be considered to be in mechanical equilibrium. This may seem confusing, but it is because in the first scenario, the net torque is not zero.
  • #1
broegger
257
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is an object rotating with no net torque present (such as a sphere spinning about an axis of symmetry) said to be in mechanical equilibrium??
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by broegger
is an object rotating with no net torque present (such as a sphere spinning about an axis of symmetry) said to be in mechanical equilibrium??
No, since there could still be a net force acting on the object.
 
  • #3
my physics book implicitly states that if an object is rotating it is not in mechanical equlibrium - even though there is no net torque and it isn't moving through space (no net force)... but if the same object is moving through space with constant velocity (no net force) without rotating (no net torque) it IS in equilibrium - this is confusing, because to me these two situations are equivalent
 
  • #4
For a system to be in mechanical equilibrium, the net torque and the net force must be zero.

So assuming these are true, would a sphere spinning about an axis of symmetry be in equilibrium? According to the textbook, no?
 

1. What is mechanical equilibrium in a rotating system?

Mechanical equilibrium in a rotating system refers to a state where the net torque acting on the system is equal to zero. This means that the system is not accelerating or decelerating, and the rotational motion remains constant.

2. How is mechanical equilibrium achieved in a rotating system?

In order to achieve mechanical equilibrium in a rotating system, there must be a balance of forces and torques acting on the system. This can be achieved by adjusting the position, mass, or distribution of mass of the objects in the system.

3. What is the significance of mechanical equilibrium in a rotating system?

Mechanical equilibrium is important in a rotating system because it ensures that the system remains stable and does not experience any changes in its rotational motion. This is essential for the proper functioning of many machines and devices, such as motors and turbines.

4. How is mechanical equilibrium different from dynamic equilibrium?

Mechanical equilibrium refers specifically to a balance of forces and torques in a rotating system, while dynamic equilibrium refers to a balance of all forces and torques in a system, including those acting on objects in linear motion. Dynamic equilibrium can also refer to a state where the system is in motion at a constant velocity.

5. What are some real-life examples of mechanical equilibrium in rotating systems?

Examples of mechanical equilibrium in rotating systems include a bicycle wheel in motion, a spinning top, a ceiling fan, and the Earth's rotation around its axis. In each of these examples, the net torque acting on the system is equal to zero, resulting in a constant rotational motion.

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