Calculating Torque on a Pulley: Simple Theory and Homework Practice

In summary, torque is a measure of the rotational force acting on an object and is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the point of rotation to where the force is applied. It is directly related to rotational motion and can be measured using a torque wrench or calculated using the formula torque = force x distance. The factors that affect torque include the magnitude and direction of the applied force, the distance from the point of rotation to where the force is applied, and the angle at which the force is applied.
  • #1
Hockeystar
64
0

Homework Statement


Lets say I have a the generic pulley setup with no friction

http://img.sparknotes.com/content/testprep/bookimgs/sat2/physics/0014/tablewpulleyFBD.gif

How would I calculate the Torque on the pulley?


Homework Equations



Torque = Force times Radius

The Attempt at a Solution



Would the torque simply be the torque caused by gravity of the free hanging weight or do I have to take the force of tension into account?
 
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  • #2
Use the free body diagrams and Newton's 2nd law to find the acceleration of the system. Then you can find the torque.
 
  • #3
Thank You.
 

FAQ: Calculating Torque on a Pulley: Simple Theory and Homework Practice

1. What is torque?

Torque is a measure of the rotational force acting on an object. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the point of rotation to where the force is applied.

2. How is torque related to rotational motion?

Torque is directly related to rotational motion as it is the force that causes an object to rotate about an axis. The greater the torque, the faster the object will rotate.

3. What is the formula for calculating torque?

The formula for torque is torque = force x distance. It is typically measured in units of newton-meters (Nm) or foot-pounds (ft-lb).

4. What factors affect torque?

The factors that affect torque include the magnitude and direction of the applied force, the distance from the point of rotation to where the force is applied, and the angle at which the force is applied.

5. How is torque measured?

Torque can be measured using a torque wrench, which applies a specific amount of force to an object and measures the resulting torque. It can also be calculated using the formula torque = force x distance.

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