What is the net torque on a square metal plate if given three forces?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the net torque on a square metal plate subjected to three forces. The plate is pivoted at its center, and the forces are defined with specific magnitudes. There is confusion regarding the sign convention for torque, with a clarification that counterclockwise (CCW) torques are typically considered positive, while clockwise (CW) torques are negative. A participant realizes their error in calculating the torque due to force F3 after further consideration. The thread emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the sign convention and accurately recalculating torques.
ahero4eternity
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
yg.10.45.jpg


A square metal plate 0.180 meters on each side is pivoted about an axis through point O at its center and perpendicular to the plate.

Calculate the net torque about this axis due to the three forces shown in the figure if the magnitudes of the forces are F1 = 18.0 N F2 = 27.0 N and F3 = 14.0 N. The plate and all forces are in the plane of the page.




Torque = Force x Length
Length = 1/2 x 0.180
Torque = radius x F sin theta




T1 (1.62) - T2 (2.43) - T3 (1.26) = -2.07

Shouldn't T1 be positive since it is going in the CW direction, while T2 and T3 are negative since they are going in the CCW direction? Where am I going wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ahero4eternity said:
T1 (1.62) - T2 (2.43) - T3 (1.26) = -2.07

Shouldn't T1 be positive since it is going in the CW direction, while T2 and T3 are negative since they are going in the CCW direction? Where am I going wrong?
The usual sign convention is to take CCW torques to be positive and CW torques to be negative. More important that sign convention: Recalculate the torque due to force F3.
 
Thanks. After 15 mins of struggling, I finally figured it out where I went wrong with T3. :)
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Three equal forces applied to a rectangle, find net torque direction?
Replies
30
Views
4K
Where on a rigid body is a resultant force applied?
Replies
11
Views
1K
How Do You Calculate the Net Torque on a Square Plate?
Replies
5
Views
20K
What is the net torque on a pivoted metal plate due to three forces?
Replies
1
Views
9K
Calculating net torque on a plate
Replies
4
Views
5K
Proving that net torque isn't reliant on point of rotation.
Replies
1
Views
1K
Work Done by Torque on Square Plate of Mass M
Replies
4
Views
5K
Net Torque Calculation for a Square with Equal Forces Acting on Opposite Sides
Replies
5
Views
10K
Why Is My Calculation of Net Torque Incorrect?
Replies
2
Views
10K
Finding the Net Torque of a Circular Object
Replies
3
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top