mikefitz said:A 125-g mass is placed on one pan of a balance, at a point 25 cm from the support of the balance. What is the magnitude of the torque about the support exerted by the mass?
125kg*9.81m/s^2*.25m = 306.56 N*m
why is this wrong?
Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the point of rotation at which the force is being applied.
When a mass is hanging from a support, it exerts a torque on the support due to the force of gravity acting on the mass. This torque is equal to the mass multiplied by the distance from the support to the point where the mass is hanging.
The magnitude of the mass, the distance from the support to the mass, and the angle at which the mass is hanging can all affect the torque exerted on the support by the mass. Additionally, the strength and stability of the support itself can also impact the torque.
The greater the torque exerted on a support by a mass, the more likely it is to cause the support to rotate or collapse. This can affect the overall stability of the structure and may require additional support or reinforcement to prevent failure.
Yes, torque can be reduced by decreasing the mass hanging from the support, shortening the distance between the mass and the support, or changing the angle at which the mass is hanging. Additionally, using stronger and more stable supports can also help reduce the torque exerted on them by masses.