Torque & Joules: Fact or Fiction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between torque and joules, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding their units. Torque is defined as the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot point, typically measured in Newton-meters (N-m), while energy is measured in joules. Although both units can be equivalent mathematically, it is misleading to refer to torque in joules due to the differing definitions of displacement in each context. The conversation also touches on angular displacement and the calculation of work done by torque, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of these concepts in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and its definition in physics
  • Familiarity with units of measurement: Newton-meters and joules
  • Basic knowledge of angular displacement and radians
  • Concept of work done in both linear and rotational motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between torque and energy in physics
  • Learn about angular displacement and its implications in rotational mechanics
  • Study the concept of couples in mechanics and their role in torque generation
  • Explore the mathematical relationship between linear and angular work
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of torque and energy in mechanics, particularly in the context of rotational motion.

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Wikipedia says that the unit of magnetic dipole moments is calculated by Joule/B that means that the torque is measured by joules
I really doubt that, it seems non sense.
 
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ElmorshedyDr said:
Wikipedia says that the unit of magnetic dipole moments is calculated by Joule/B that means that the torque is measured by joules
I really doubt that, it seems non sense.
Torque has units of Force*distance. Usually expressed as N-m, but equivalent to Joules though I do not recommend that usage. (Usually Joule is reserved for energy, not torque!)
 
Doc Al said:
But equivalent to Joules though!
How is that ?
 
Energy equals the product of the force and the displacement along which the force is done

And the torque is the product of the force and displacement between the two forces, the concept of displacement isn't the same in both cases
 
Last edited:
ElmorshedyDr said:
How is that ?
1 N-m = 1 J
 
ElmorshedyDr said:
Energy equals the product of force and the displacement

And torque is product of force and displacement between the two forces the " d " isn't the same in both cases
We are talking about units, not about the definitions of torque and energy. (That's why energy is Joules while torque is in N-m, despite the fact the units are equivalent.)
 
The units are are the same but their definitions are different
 
ElmorshedyDr said:
The units are are the same but their definitions are different
Right. (For example, one is a vector while the other is a scalar.)
 
  • #10
But I think that it's totally wrong to say that torque is measured by joules not just "unrecommended"
 
  • #11
Thanks jersey :smile:
 
  • #12
jersey?
 
  • #13
ElmorshedyDr said:
Wikipedia says that the unit of magnetic dipole moments is calculated by Joule/B that means that the torque is measured by joules
I really doubt that, it seems non sense.
I'm not seeing that (I'm seeing n-m), can you link and quote it please.
 
  • #15
  • #17
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1398188452.967609.jpg
 
  • #18
However, how is work done by a torque calculated ??

I know that work is calculated by f.d
I'm unable to apply that on non linear motion
 
  • #19
What is the equivalent of "distance" if something rotates instead of moving along a line?
 
  • #20
jtbell said:
What is the equivalent of "distance" if something rotates instead of moving along a line?

Angular displacement i.e. Radians

KE_{angular} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega ^2
 
Last edited:
  • #21
ElmorshedyDr said:
However, how is work done by a torque calculated ??

I know that work is calculated by f.d
I'm unable to apply that on non linear motion

Linear motion:
##W = \int_{a}^{b}\vec{F} (dot)d\vec{r}##
Angular motion:
##W = \int_{a}^{b}\vec{T}(dot)d\vec{\theta}##
 
Last edited:
  • #22
Oh wait, you were leading them on... @jtBell consider them edited
 
  • #23
Torque.theta ??

Theta is radian ?

Can you tell me the proof of that law??
 
  • #24
jtbell said:
What is the equivalent of "distance" if something rotates instead of moving along a line?
Shouldn't it be radian.radius ??
 
  • #25
ElmorshedyDr said:
Torque.theta ??

Theta is radian ?

Can you tell me the proof of that law??

Convert the linear work done by a tangential force along the circumference to torque the force produces around the center and angle the point of attack travels.
 
  • #26
This point was raised as a short question in an A level physics paper of years ago:

Torque can be measured in Joules but it is usually considered misleading to do so. Explain why? (I don't remember the exact wording)
 
  • #27
Dadface said:
This point was raised as a short question in an A level physics paper of years ago:
Torque can be measured in Joules but it is usually considered misleading to do so. Explain why? (I don't remember the exact wording)
Because the definition of d is different in case of torque and energy

Torque = f.d
Where d is the displacement between the two forces

Energy = f.d
Where d is the displacement along which the force is done
 
  • #28
ElmorshedyDr said:
Torque = f.d
Where d is the displacement between the two forces
Torque doesn't require two forces.
 
  • #29
A.T. said:
Torque doesn't require two forces.
Even if it is a rotating coil ??
 
  • #30
ElmorshedyDr said:
Even if it is a rotating coil ??
There is only one force in the definition of torque. So what "two forces" are you taking about?
 

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