Question on torue(center of mass being important I think)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Crusaderking1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Important Mass
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating torque in a system involving a meter stick with a center of mass at 50.1 cm and a pivot point at 30.0 cm. The user is tasked with identifying all forces acting on the system, including the weight of the meter stick (0.0836 kg) and the additional weights applied. The torque is calculated using the formula torque = radius * force, with the gravitational force being 0.0836 kg * 9.8 m/s². The user seeks clarification on how to account for the moment of inertia and other forces in the torque calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and its calculation (torque = radius * force)
  • Knowledge of center of mass and its significance in torque problems
  • Familiarity with the concept of static equilibrium
  • Basic physics principles, including gravitational force (9.8 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of moment of inertia and its role in rotational dynamics
  • Learn about static equilibrium conditions and how to apply them in torque problems
  • Explore the effects of multiple forces acting on a lever system
  • Practice calculating torque with varying pivot points and mass distributions
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those working on mechanics and torque calculations, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to center of mass and equilibrium in physical systems.

Crusaderking1
Messages
158
Reaction score
0
Question on torque(center of mass being important I think)

Homework Statement



I have a lab report due tomorrow, and I have it all done except one calculation, but it confuses me.

The center of mass on my meter stick on a stand is 50.1 cm, or .501 meters.

For part B, we changed the pivot point to 30.0 cm(not the center of mass), or .300 meters. then with 3 mass hanging by a rope are added. I understand that torque is force times radius.

The question is what OTHER forces are acting on the system besides the weights we added on, and then find the torque, mass, radius, and distance.

I suppose this is referring to the force of gravity *mass of meter stick with the distance being .501 - .300 = .201 meters. The torque would then be .164675 Nm. Is this right?

Please help. Thanks.

Homework Equations



sine = 1
radius * force = torque

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
you didn't give any masses. you should also probably be considering the moment of inertia of the meter stick.
 
Pythagorean said:
you didn't give any masses. you should also probably be considering the moment of inertia of the meter stick.

Sorry, the mass of the meter stick is 0.0836 kg.

Well, I don't understand how inertia would tie in with finding the torque of the other forces besides the weights on the tension.

Wouldn't it just be mass of meter stick, the distance between the pivot and the center of mass, then to find the force, just 0.0836 kg * 9.8 m/s^2, and then torque is radius*force?
 
Hrmm... that means... is the system in equilibrium (no motion and not sitting with one end touching the floor)? If so, wouldn't the torque on either side of the fulcrum be the same?
 
Pythagorean said:
Hrmm... that means... is the system in equilibrium (no motion and not sitting with one end touching the floor)? If so, wouldn't the torque on either side of the fulcrum be the same?

its not in static equilibrium, but its not touching the floor because the ruler is on a stand.

I'm suppose to find the "other forces"(not the weights I added) before I calculate the static equilibrium.

So I need the torque value 1 + torque value 2 + other forces.
There are two weights on the system. The center of mass is not the pivot point.
This would be torque 0.309 + -0.434 + (other forces) <===this is where i need help.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
335
Views
16K
Replies
11
Views
3K