Torque due to reaction force at contact point of two objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the torque produced by reaction forces at the contact point of two leaning objects in static equilibrium. It establishes that the reaction force can indeed produce torque, which is equal and opposite to the torque generated by the object's weight acting through its center of mass. The torque is calculated using the cross product of the moment arm from the pivot point to the point where the reaction force acts and the reaction force itself. This confirms that every force generates torque about any point not on its line of action.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium conditions
  • Familiarity with torque and moment calculations
  • Knowledge of cross product operations in physics
  • Basic principles of forces and their effects on objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in mechanics
  • Learn about calculating torque in various scenarios
  • Explore the concept of moment arms in physics
  • Investigate the implications of reaction forces in different mechanical systems
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of leaning objects and the effects of reaction forces on torque.

Rasoul
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Hi there, I would like to know that if we have an leaning object supported by another object, both are supported by ground floor to satisfy static equilibrium condition, does the reaction force at the contact point produce cancelling torque (for the leaning object)? In general, can a reaction force produce torque? If so, is the torque equal to moment arm that is from pivot point to the point the reaction force acting, cross product to the reaction force?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Rasoul! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Rasoul said:
Hi there, I would like to know that if we have an leaning object supported by another object, both are supported by ground floor to satisfy static equilibrium condition, does the reaction force at the contact point produce cancelling torque (for the leaning object)?

If you take torques (moments) about the pivot point (on the floor), then yes the torque of that reaction force will be equal and opposite to the torque of the weight (acting through the centre of mass).
In general, can a reaction force produce torque? If so, is the torque equal to moment arm that is from pivot point to the point the reaction force acting, cross product to the reaction force?

Every force produces a torque about any point that's not on its line of action.

And yes, that cross product formula is correct. :smile:
 

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