Understanding Torque Problems and the Role of Gravity: Explained"

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies that in torque problems, gravity is always considered at the center of mass. The scenario involved a long piece of wood supported by two metal poles with a worker standing on one end. The pivot point was chosen at the intersection of one pole and the wood, leading to the conclusion that the total gravitational force acts through the center of gravity. This principle applies universally in uniform gravitational fields, where the center of gravity coincides with the center of mass.

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  • Understanding of torque and its calculations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of center of mass and center of gravity
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational forces in physics
  • Experience with pivot points in mechanical systems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and anyone involved in mechanics or structural design, particularly those dealing with torque and gravitational effects in practical applications.

oneplusone
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Hello,

I was working on a problem dealing with torque, and it was basically a long piece of wood resting on top of two metal poles. (scaffold like), and a worker standing on one end of the wood.

When i was reading the solution, i noticed that gravity was factored in at the center of mass.
I think this is because I chose the pivot point as the intersection of one of the metal poles and the piece of wood.

My question is: is gravity in torque questions ALWAYS factored in at the center of mass??

Thanks a lot!
 
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hello oneplusone! :smile:
oneplusone said:
is gravity in torque questions ALWAYS factored in at the center of mass??

yes …

the total gravitational force on a body is always through the centre of gravity (that's for all purposes, not just for torque) …

that's the definition of centre of gravity​

we always assume that any apparatus on Earth is in a uniform gravitational field,

and in a uniform gravitational field, the centre of gravity and the centre of mass are the same (for fairly obvious reasons) :wink:
 

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