Torque direction for any system of particles

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the torque acting on a particle moving in a clockwise direction around the origin in the xy plane, with a focus on both the magnitude and direction of the torque based on its angular momentum at a specific time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the time derivative of angular momentum to find torque and express uncertainty about determining the direction of torque. There is a mention of the right hand rule and its application to the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance regarding the right hand rule, while others are seeking clarification on how to apply it in the context of the problem. Multiple interpretations of the torque direction are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of applying the right hand rule to a scenario involving angular momentum and torque, with some uncertainty about the implications of clockwise motion.

frozendemon
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A particle is to move in an xy plane, clockwise around the origin as seen from the positive side of the z axis. In unit-vector notation, what torque acts on the particle at time t = 9.5 s if the magnitude of its angular momentum about the origin is (a) 8.0 kg·m2/s, (b) 8.0t^2 kg·m2/s3, (c) 8.0t^(1/2) kg·m2/s3/2, and (d) 8.0/t^2 kg·m2*s?

Homework Equations



τ=dL/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



All i have to do is take the time derivative of the given angular momentum and plug in t. I can get the magnitude of the torque with the equation but i do not know how to get the direction of torque. Please explain! Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look up the right hand rule :)
 
Well, I'm not too sure how to apply right hand rule with dl/dt, perhaps you can give me some insight?
 
Wait, do i just move my fingers to the direction its turning, in this case clockwise? If so then its -k, right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K