Torque Units: Help Understanding kg force cm

[ramonegumpert]

Dear Physics Gurus,

I am trying very hard to understanding the units used to measure torque.

I know there is a unit called kilogram force centimeter, and 1 ounce force inch = 0.072007790632 kg force cm.

My problem is I do not understand what these units mean. I could only find definition for Kilogram-force and not Kilogram-force-cm.
for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilogram-force

How much weight can a motor lift if it is rated 3.6 kg force cm and also rated at 200 rpm? Does it mean it can lift a maximum of 3.6 kg at a speed of 200 rpm? And how many centimeters will it lift per minute?

As you can see, i am kinda confused and cannot 'feel' how much weight can be lifted given the torque unit of kg force cm.

Please could you help me.

Best regards
Ramone

 

[TVP45]

Torque = Force x moment arm
In your case, consider 3.6 kg force with a 1.0 cm moment arm (you could use any combination - I picked this one only to make it easy).
3.6 kg force = 35 N
1.0 cm = 0.01 m
So, you have 0.35 Nm of torque.
How you use that torque is up to you. You can now use a pulley with r = 4.0 m and you can lift 0.35 Nm/4.0 m = 0.088 N, or you can use a pulley with r = 0.12 m and you can lift 0.35 Nm/0.12 m = 2.9 N. The difference will be the velocity with which you can lift.

 

[Bob S]

Here is a sample of how to use torque in Newton meters (Nm) on your car engine

Power (watts) = torque (Nm) x RPM x 2 pi/60
Horsepwer = watts/746

Example 100 Nm torque and 2200 RPM = 23,038 watts = 30.9 HP

 

[ramonegumpert]

Torque = Force x moment arm
In your case, consider 3.6 kg force with a 1.0 cm moment arm (you could use any combination - I picked this one only to make it easy).
3.6 kg force = 35 N
1.0 cm = 0.01 m
So, you have 0.35 Nm of torque.
How you use that torque is up to you. You can now use a pulley with r = 4.0 m and you can lift 0.35 Nm/4.0 m = 0.088 N, or you can use a pulley with r = 0.12 m and you can lift 0.35 Nm/0.12 m = 2.9 N. The difference will be the velocity with which you can lift.

Dear TVP45,
Thank you very much for your explanation which has fully clarified my doubt. I am very greatful.

Thanks also to Bob S for the useful example.

Cheers!

Best regards
Ramone