Second year physics homework, thought I was capable and now am simply frustrated

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a person struggling to assist their sister with a physics homework problem involving the calculation of the moment (torque) of a force about a point. The key formula mentioned is the cross product of the position vector and the force vector, represented as M0 = r × F. Participants emphasize the importance of constructing the correct vectors from the problem's geometry to solve it accurately. The original poster expresses gratitude in advance for any assistance provided. Overall, the thread highlights the challenges faced in applying physics concepts to practical problems.
AloneWeSink
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
So I told my sister I could help her with her physics homework, having an old computer engineering degree, and this first problem she sends me has me stumped. If anyone is willing to help this busy and forgetful young man help his sister I would be immensely appreciative. Thank you in advance.

1. Homework Statement [/b]
Hibbler.ch4.p42.jpg

Determine the Moment of this force about point O.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
AloneWeSink said:
So I told my sister I could help her with her physics homework, having an old computer engineering degree, and this first problem she sends me has me stumped. If anyone is willing to help this busy and forgetful young man help his sister I would be immensely appreciative. Thank you in advance.

1. Homework Statement [/b]
[ IMG] http://session.masteringengineering.com/problemAsset/1529323/3/Hibbler.ch4.p42.jpg[/PLAIN]
Determine the Moment of this force about point O.
The Moment of F about point O is the same thing as the torque that force F exerts about point O.

It's given by \displaystyle \ \ \vec{M}_0=\vec{r}\times\vec{F}\,, \ where \ \vec{r}\ is a position vector from point O to the line of action of force \ \vec{F}\ . For example you could take r to be \ \vec{r}=\vec{OA}\ .

You will need to construct \ \vec{r}\ and \ \vec{F}\ from the geometry of the situation as shown in the figure.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top