Why Do I Need to Sum All the Torques Along the Radius for Calculating Torque?

  • Thread starter Thread starter EEristavi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    inertia torque
AI Thread Summary
Calculating torque for a uniform disc involves integrating contributions from all radial elements. The discussion highlights the need to sum torques along the radius, as each element contributes differently based on its distance from the center. The correct formulation uses r instead of R for the radius of each differential element, affecting the torque calculation. The frictional force and normal force are also considered in determining the torque from each area element. Understanding these relationships clarifies the integration process necessary for accurate torque calculation.
EEristavi
Messages
108
Reaction score
5
Homework Statement
uniform disc of radius R is spinned to the angular velocity
w and then carefully placed on a horizontal surface. How long will
the disc be rotating on the surface if the friction coefficient is equal
to k? The pressure exerted by the disc on the surface can be regarded
as uniform.
Relevant Equations
T = Ia
Only problem I have is in calculating Torque

I say:
dT = R dF = R k g dm
&
dm = ##\frac m {\Pi R^2}## R dr d##\theta##

However, in the solution I see that:
dT = r dF = r k g dm
&
dm = ##\frac m {\Pi R^2}## r dr d##\theta##I don't get it: when taking the whole T (when I integrate), why do I have to "Sum" all the Torques along the radius
 
Physics news on Phys.org
EEristavi said:
Problem Statement: uniform disc of radius R is spinned to the angular velocity
w and then carefully placed on a horizontal surface. How long will
the disc be rotating on the surface if the friction coefficient is equal
to k? The pressure exerted by the disc on the surface can be regarded
as uniform.
Relevant Equations: T = Ia

Only problem I have is in calculating Torque

I say:
dT = R dF = R k g dm
&
dm = ##\frac m {\Pi R^2}## R dr d##\theta##

However, in the solution I see that:
dT = r dF = r k g dm
&
dm = ##\frac m {\Pi R^2}## r dr d##\theta##I don't get it: when taking the whole T (when I integrate), why do I have to "Sum" all the Torques along the radius
It is not clear exactly what your variables mean. E.g. dT is the contribution to torque from what element?

Consider an element of area r dr dθ. The normal force is ρgr dr dθ, the frictional force kρgr dr dθ, and this acts tangentially. The torque it exerts about the centre is kρgr2 dr dθ.
 
  • Informative
Likes EEristavi
Found the mistake in my point of view - Thanks
 
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...
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...
Back
Top