Weird second law of Newton for rotation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Newton's second law to rotational motion, specifically the derivation and implications of torque in relation to angular acceleration. Participants explore the mathematical formulation of these concepts and the conditions under which they hold true.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivation of the second law for rotation, leading to the equation τ = I * α, where τ is torque, I is the moment of inertia, and α is angular acceleration.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the derivation when not multiplying by R, suggesting that it implies forces applied at different points do not affect the outcome, which seems counterintuitive.
  • Further discussion highlights the importance of vector notation in the equations, emphasizing that the direction of forces and their application points are crucial for accurate calculations.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the introduction of time dependence in the equations and its implications for the rotational dynamics being discussed.
  • A request is made for a more comprehensive proof of torque to clarify the concepts being debated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of the equations presented. There is disagreement regarding the interpretation of forces applied at different points and the necessity of vector notation in the derivation of torque.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the lack of clarity on the assumptions made regarding the forces and their application points, as well as the dependence on the definitions of torque and angular acceleration. The role of time in the equations remains unresolved.

Mad_Eye
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the proof of second law of Newton for rotation goes like this:
take a sphere rotating around some far axis
FT=maT
FT=m * ALPHA * R
multiple by R

tau = mR2 * ALPHA

and we can say it true for every limit mass in a body.
so

sigma tau = sigma (mR2) * ALPHA
sigma tau = I * ALPHA

internal torque=0
thus, sigma tau = sigma external tau

fine, i get it, i think.


but what if we didn't multiple by R?
let's return to here
FT=m * ALPHA * R

and do not multiple by R

now as far as i see it, this is also true for every limit mass on a body, so
sigma FT = sigma (mr) * ALPHA
internal forces=0 (?)
thus
sigma external FT = FT = sigma (mr) * ALPHA

but that just doest make sense... since it as though it doesn't matter where the force is applied...


thanks a lot for helping...
 
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Mad_Eye said:
sigma external FT = FT = sigma (mr) * ALPHA

but that just doest make sense... since it as though it doesn't matter where the force is applied...
What do you mean by "it doesn't matter..."?
In any case you have to keep in mind that you had vector quantities before. For example one could use a vector [itex]\vec{R}[/itex] which had length R, but direction perpendicular to the displacement and into the direction of the acceleration. Then your equation would be
[tex]\sum_i \vec{F_i}=\sum_i (m_i\vec{R}_i(t))\cdot\alpha[/tex]
which due to the time dependence is not very helpful.
 
Gerenuk said:
What do you mean by "it doesn't matter..."?
In any case you have to keep in mind that you had vector quantities before. For example one could use a vector [itex]\vec{R}[/itex] which had length R, but direction perpendicular to the displacement and into the direction of the acceleration. Then your equation would be
[tex]\sum_i \vec{F_i}=\sum_i (m_i\vec{R}_i(t))\cdot\alpha[/tex]
which due to the time dependence is not very helpful.

by "it doesn't matters" i simply mean that, wherever the force is exerts relative to the axis, it'll cause the same angular acceleration, which we know not to be true..

and i didn't quite get it... where the time came from?
 
The point is that you need to use exact notation, which encompasses using vectors for the force (otherwise the sum of the forces is not equal to the total external force!).
The time dependence is since the orientation and thus R will change with time.
 
wow... i still don't get it...
can you write to me the real proof of torque? so i can see how it should be done?
thanks
 
Have a look at
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=363521
It's not the full answer to your question, but feel free to request a special answer :)

There I explain how the general torque law derives for a set of particle.
If the particles form a rigid body, then the proof can be continued. I think about what you would like to hear and some time later I make a post.
 

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