Torque with an arm holding a weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the forces acting on a forearm holding a 169 N ball, specifically the flexor muscle force (M) and the force at the elbow joint. The flexor muscle force was determined to be 1152 N, while the force applied by the upper arm bone at the elbow joint was calculated to be 3503.23 N. The calculations utilized torque principles, with the end of the arm considered as the pivot point for torque analysis.

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wallace13
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A man holds a 169 N ball in his hand, with the forearm horizontal (see the drawing). He can support the ball in this position because of the flexor muscle force M, which is applied perpendicular to the forearm. The forearm weighs 21.4 N and has a center of gravity as indicated.



(a) Find the magnitude of M.

(b) Find the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the upper arm bone to the forearm at the elbow joint.



(Wmuscle*.051)-(21.4*(.089+.051))-(169*.33)= 0

Wmuscle=1152

I got part A correct, but I cannot get part B. I know that The end of the arm (where the ball is) should now be considered the pivot (zero) point.

Here is my attempt:
-(21.4* (.330-.089-.051))+1152- (W elbow*.330)

W elbow= 3503.23N
 

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wallace13 said:
09_73.gif


A man holds a 169 N ball in his hand, with the forearm horizontal (see the drawing). He can support the ball in this position because of the flexor muscle force M, which is applied perpendicular to the forearm. The forearm weighs 21.4 N and has a center of gravity as indicated.



(a) Find the magnitude of M.

(b) Find the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the upper arm bone to the forearm at the elbow joint.



(Wmuscle*.051)-(21.4*(.089+.051))-(169*.33)= 0

Wmuscle=1152

I got part A correct, but I cannot get part B. I know that The end of the arm (where the ball is) should now be considered the pivot (zero) point.

Here is my attempt:
-(21.4* (.330-.089-.051))+1152 (you forget to multiply 1152 by the distance to the ball)[/color] - (W elbow*.330)

W elbow= 3503.23N
Alternatively, or as a check, you should just sum all vertical forces to be sure they add to zero.
 

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