Why Are Moments Calculated Differently for Force Components in Statics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of moments in a statics problem involving a pulley and a force applied at an angle. Participants are examining why the moment calculated directly from the force differs from the moment calculated using its components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between the direct moment calculation and the component-based calculation. Some suggest that the perpendicular distance used in the calculations may not be accurate when breaking the force into components.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the differences in moment calculations. Some participants have provided insights into the geometry of the force application and the importance of the correct perpendicular distance. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the cross product rule for moment calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the force is applied at a specific angle and not at the top of the pulley, which may affect the calculations. There are mentions of visual aids that may not be clear to all participants, impacting their understanding of the problem setup.

eurekameh
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Here is my question:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/unledasm.png/
On this figure, there is a 50 N force on the bigger pulley. When summing up the moments about the x-axis, why isn't -50(0.15) [circled on figure] the same as (-50cos45)(0.15) + (-50sin45)(0.15), which is the sum of the moments of its components?
 
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eurekameh said:
Here is my question:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/unledasm.png/
On this figure, there is a 50 N force on the bigger pulley. When summing up the moments about the x-axis, why isn't -50(0.15) [circled on figure] the same as (-50cos45)(0.15) + (-50sin45)(0.15), which is the sum of the moments of its components?

I have a 22" monitor, but that image is still too small to read anything?
 
eurekameh said:
Here is my question:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/unledasm.png/
On this figure, there is a 50 N force on the bigger pulley. When summing up the moments about the x-axis, why isn't -50(0.15) [circled on figure] the same as (-50cos45)(0.15) + (-50sin45)(0.15), which is the sum of the moments of its components?
I was able to see the image. The 50 N force is applied to the pulley tangent to its circumference at a point 45 degrees counterclockwise from its vertical z axis. It is not applied at the top of the pulley. When you break it into its components, the perpendicular distance is not 0.15 m. Either calculate the perpendicular distance, or use the cross product rule, when calculating the sum of moments this way, and you get the same result.
 
PhanthomJay said:
I was able to see the image. The 50 N force is applied to the pulley tangent to its circumference at a point 45 degrees counterclockwise from its vertical z axis. It is not applied at the top of the pulley. When you break it into its components, the perpendicular distance is not 0.15 m. Either calculate the perpendicular distance, or use the cross product rule, when calculating the sum of moments this way, and you get the same result.

This helped me. Thanks.
 

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