What is the net torque about the axle?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the net torque on a 19.6 cm diameter disk with various forces applied. The initial calculations for torque included disregarding one force and using incorrect dimensions, leading to an incorrect net torque of 4.26 Nm. Participants pointed out that the radius, not the diameter, should be used in the torque calculations. After acknowledging the mistake, the focus shifted to correcting the calculations to achieve the correct net torque. The conversation highlights the importance of using proper measurements and signs in torque calculations.
a.a
Messages
126
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The 19.6 cm diameter disk rotates on an axle through its center. F1=22.8 N, F2=32.5 N, F3=32.5 N, F4=22.8 N, and d=4.60 cm. What is the net torque about the axle?

Homework Equations



Torque = F r sin (angle)
F = m g

The Attempt at a Solution



I found all the torques acting on the center, disregarded T1 because its sort of passing through the center and isn't really shown on the diagram.

T1 = 0
T2= (32.5)(0.196) = 6.37 Nm
T3= -(32.5)(sin 45)(0.046)= -1.057 Nm (counterclockwise)
T4= (22.8)(0.046)= -1.0488 (counterclockwise)

Tnet = 4.26 Nm

This isn't the right answer, can someone please help and explain where I am going wrong..
 

Attachments

  • kn-pic1314.png
    kn-pic1314.png
    1.9 KB · Views: 3,010
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


For a standard coordinate axis, counter-clockwise is usually taken as positive.
 


Re-check the calculation for T2 .
 


xboy said:
Re-check the calculation for T2 .
T2 looks fine to me (with the exception of the sign minus of course).
 


Shouldn't he multiply the force with the radius (as opposed to the diameter)?
 


xboy said:
Shouldn't he multiply the force with the radius (as opposed to the diameter)?
Of course he should. And I should pay more attention :redface:
 


Hootenanny said:
Of course he should. And I should pay more attention :redface:

wow.. thanks.. that was a dumb mistake...
 
Back
Top