Rotational Dynamics on a door knob

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in rotational dynamics, specifically calculating the torque required to turn a doorknob given the work done during a partial revolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between work, force, distance, and torque. Questions arise regarding the definitions of force and radius, as well as the interpretation of the work done in the context of rotational motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided equations relating torque and work, while others express confusion and seek further clarification. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with limited information regarding the specific values of force and radius, leading to questions about assumptions and definitions in the problem setup.

Huskies213
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Can anyone help me with where to begin ? ? ?

Turning a doorknob through 1/6 of a revolution requires 0.1 J of work. What is the torque required to turn the doorknob?

i know that T = F x r
what is the force and radius ?(is radius 3/6=1/2??)
 
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Energy equals force times distance. 0.1 = F*ds where ds = (pi/3)*R, pi/3 is 1/6 of revolution.
As you said T = F*R, So now you have 3 equations and 4 unknows one of which would cancel out.
I hope it is helpful.
 
Re

Can anyone explain more ? I am still lost
 
As you correctly say torque is given by;

[tex]\tau = F r[/tex]

I would think you also know that work done is given by;

[tex]Wd = Fs[/tex]

If we have a circle of radius [itex]r[/itex] and an angle of [itex]\theta[/itex] then the arc length subtended by that angle is given by;

[tex]s = r\theta[/tex]

Now substituting [itex]s = r\theta[/itex] into the work equation (because the force acts tangentally) gives;

[tex]\fbox{wd = F r\theta = \tau\theta}[/tex]

This is basically what Dmitri said, but simplyfying before plugging in the numbers. Remember that a full revolution is [itex]2\pi[/itex] radians.

Hope this helps

-Hoot
 
Last edited:

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