Calculating Torque on a Trap Door: Question and Equations

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In summary, the trap door is held open at an angle of 65.0° with a rope attached to the raised edge and fastened to the wall. The torque exerted on the trap door by the rope is equal to the torque exerted by gravity, as the system is in equilibrium. Therefore, the torque exerted on the door can be calculated using the equation T=rFsin(x), where r is the radius of the door and F is the force of gravity pulling from the center of mass.
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chess10771
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Homework Statement



A trap door, of length and width 1.65 m, is held open at an angle of 65.0° with respect to the floor. A rope is attached to the raised edge of the door and fastened to the wall behind the door in such a position that the rope pulls perpendicularly to the trap door. If the mass of the trap door is 11.8 kg, what is the torque exerted on the trap door by the rope?


Homework Equations



T=rFsin(x)

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't seem to figure this out. I am not sure how to get exact values for the radius and Force.. any help would be great, thanks
 
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  • #2
Draw the door as a bar (no z dimension). Make a free body diagram. Use the hinge as a pivot.
 
  • #3
I don't think you need the length of the string.

This system is in equilibrium, which means that the sum of the torque must be equal to 0.
The things that cause torque are the tension in the string and the force of gravity. The tension is applied at the end of the rope and gravity pulls from its center of mass. I assume this is a uniform body which means the center of the trapdoor is its center of mass.

ƩT=Tc-Tg
0=Tc-Tg
Tg=Tc

Now break down the torque of gravity into its definition.
 

1. What is torque and how is it exerted?

Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is typically measured in units of Newton-meters (N*m). Torque is exerted when a force is applied at a distance from the axis of rotation.

2. What factors affect the amount of torque exerted?

The amount of torque exerted depends on the magnitude of the force applied, the distance from the axis of rotation to the point of force application, and the angle between the force and the lever arm.

3. How does torque relate to rotational motion?

Torque is directly related to rotational motion. It is the force that causes an object to rotate, and the greater the torque, the faster the object will rotate. In addition, torque also determines the direction of rotation.

4. What are some real-life examples of torque exertion?

Some examples of torque exertion include opening a door, tightening a bolt with a wrench, or turning a steering wheel to change the direction of a car.

5. How is torque calculated and what are its units?

Torque is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance from the axis of rotation to the point of force application. Its units are typically Newton-meters (N*m) or pound-feet (lb*ft).

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