The discussion centers on calculating torque when a force varies with distance from the origin. The correct approach involves integrating the force per unit length, denoted as f, over the length of the object. The torque for a small section of length dr is determined using the equation τ = f·dr·r, where r is the distance from the origin. This method allows for the accurate computation of total torque by integrating the expression across the entire length of the object.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics or engineering, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of torque in systems with variable forces.
Instead of being given the force, you should really be given the force per unit length (units of N/m).fondbeech said:Homework Statement
There is a force that varies with the distance from the origin. Can I solve for the torque by integrating the force over the length of the object that the force acts on? Is it integral of F dr or F*r dr?
Homework Equations
torque=FxR
The Attempt at a Solution
I thought that torque could be the integral of F dr but I'm not sure if that is right.