Torque and center of mass question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the torque exerted on a baseball bat held in equilibrium by a player. The bat weighs 10.0 Newtons and its weight acts 60 centimeters to the right of the player's hand, which is the pivot point. Participants clarify that since the bat is horizontal, the angle between the force and position vectors is 90 degrees, simplifying the torque calculation. The conversation emphasizes the need for a better understanding of torque and equilibrium in physics. Overall, the participants aim to clarify the problem and assist in finding the correct solution.
semaj810
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Homework Statement


A baseball player holds a 36-ounce bat (weight = 10.0 Newton) with one hand at the point O. The bat is in equilibrium. The weight of the bat acts along a line 60 centimeters to the right of O. What is the torque exerted on the center of mass of the bat by the player?


Homework Equations


Unsure


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand it
 
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Is there a picture associated with your problem?
 
semaj810 said:

Homework Statement


A baseball player holds a 36-ounce bat (weight = 10.0 Newton) with one hand at the point O. The bat is in equilibrium. The weight of the bat acts along a line 60 centimeters to the right of O. What is the torque exerted on the center of mass of the bat by the player?


Homework Equations


Unsure


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand it
You say the bat is in equilibrium? I don't see why the player would be exerting any torque on the bat.
 
Based on this and some of your other posts, it sounds like you need to read up on torques.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_(physics )

If you have a bat held at one end, like a cantilevered beam, the weight of the bat is not acting through the location of the support. In your problem, it tells you that the weight is acting through a point that is 60 cm away from the bat. Presumably, since no angle is given, the bat is horizontal and the angle between your position and force vectors is 90 degrees (which can simplify the problem a little bit).

In this case, the reaction at the baseball player's hand will consist of a force and a torque to keep the bat in equilibrium.

Does this help at all?

At what level are you studying?

-Kerry
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The origin is the end of the bat so its acting 60 centimeters away from the origin. Just clarifying.
 
Yes - thanks for the clarification, wesDOT. I should have said that the weight is acting 60 cm away from the baseball player's hand.

-Kerry
 
l12g23.gif


That is the image he should have posted
 

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