Torque opposite in direction to change in angular momentum?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between torque and angular momentum in the context of a cone rolling on its side without slipping on a flat surface. Participants explore the implications of torque direction relative to changes in angular momentum, addressing both theoretical and conceptual aspects of rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that torque should align with the direction of the change in angular momentum, while others challenge this notion by presenting specific examples involving the cone's motion.
  • One participant suggests that the misunderstanding lies in confusing the overall rate of change of angular momentum with a change in direction, noting that an object can continue to rotate in one direction while experiencing a torque in the opposite direction.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the forces at play, including weight, normal force, and friction, and how they contribute to the centripetal force necessary for the cone's motion.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of the problem, with suggestions to simplify the setup to clarify the issues being discussed.
  • Participants discuss the concept of angular momentum precession and its dependence on specific geometric conditions of the cone, indicating a lack of consensus on how these factors interact.
  • There are multiple references to the need for careful analysis of forces and torques, with some participants suggesting the use of free body diagrams to better understand the situation.
  • One participant highlights the importance of distinguishing between different components of angular momentum and their contributions to the overall motion of the cone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views on the relationship between torque and angular momentum, the forces involved, and the interpretation of the cone's motion. The discussion remains unresolved with various hypotheses and challenges presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the interactions involved, including the coupling of different rotational motions and the need for precise definitions of forces and torques. Some express uncertainty about the assumptions underlying their analyses.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the dynamics of rotational motion, torque, and angular momentum, particularly in complex systems involving rolling objects, may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Happiness said:
Suppose we analyse a braking bicycle such that a sudden brake is applied to its front wheel, making it stop completely. The bicycle will then flip forward. The back wheel will be lifted up and the bicycle will undergo circular motion about the front wheel before it topples. The back wheel is on the outside of this vertical circle (or semi-circle). So do you mean that the normal force on the back wheel, ##N_b## is greater than that on the front wheel, ##N_f##?
No the normal force on the back wheel doesn't increase. The downwards force exerted by the back wheel decreases to zero as a consequence of the 'upwards' torque exerted on the bicycle frame by the brake pads that are locked on the front wheel.

I'm not sure that that helps with the cone though.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
mfb said:
there is a counter-torque from the normal force (+gravity), which is stronger at the outside compared to a cone that is at rest.

rcgldr said:
So I'm wondering if the vertical reaction forces of the flat surface to any imbalance in the vertical forces from the cone cancel any net "outward" torque exerted on the cone related to the radial forces, and if so, if it's mathematically possible to show this is the case.

mfb said:
I don't understand your post.
I'm wondering if the normal force related counter-torque exactly cancels the radial (centripetal acceleration) related torque.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
858
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K