Calculating the Torque of a Cubical Block on an Inclined Plane

In summary, the torque of the normal reaction on a cubical block sliding down an inclined plane with uniform velocity is equal to mgcos\varphi X a/2 for the horizontal component and mgcos\varphi X sin\varphi X a/2 for the vertical component. This is because gravity does not contribute any torque and the normal force must balance the torque created by friction. Therefore, the answer should be mgcos\varphi X sin\varphi X a/2 and not mgsin\varphi X a/2.
  • #1
sachin123
121
0

Homework Statement



cubical block of mass m ,edge a,slides down the inclined plane of inclination [tex]\varphi[/tex] with uniform velocity.
torque of normal reaction on the block about its centre is?

The Attempt at a Solution


Torque=mgcos[tex]\varphi[/tex] X a/2
mgcos[tex]\varphi[/tex]sin[tex]\varphi[/tex]a/2
Book says:
mgsin[tex]\varphi[/tex]a/2
 
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  • #2
Think about it this way: gravity acts on the center of mass, so gravity contributes no torque. Friction does, and the normal force has to balance the torque that friction creates.
 
  • #3
ideasrule said:
Think about it this way: gravity acts on the center of mass, so gravity contributes no torque. Friction does, and the normal force has to balance the torque that friction creates.

So that should make the answer mgcos[tex]\varphi[/tex]sin[tex]\varphi[/tex]a/2
and not
mgsin[tex]\varphi[/tex]a/2
Right?
 

Related to Calculating the Torque of a Cubical Block on an Inclined Plane

1. What is torque and how is it calculated?

Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.

2. How is the torque of a cubical block on an inclined plane calculated?

The torque of a cubical block on an inclined plane is calculated by multiplying the weight of the block by the distance from the center of mass of the block to the point where the block touches the inclined plane.

3. What is the center of mass of a cubical block?

The center of mass of a cubical block is the point at which the entire mass of the block can be considered to be concentrated for the purpose of calculating torque.

4. How does the angle of the incline affect the torque of a cubical block?

The angle of the incline affects the torque of a cubical block by changing the distance from the center of mass to the point where the block touches the inclined plane. The greater the angle, the shorter the distance and the smaller the torque.

5. Can the torque of a cubical block on an inclined plane be negative?

Yes, the torque of a cubical block on an inclined plane can be negative if the force applied is in the opposite direction of the rotation. This means that the block will rotate in the opposite direction from what is expected.

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