Can torque only be caused by a force couple?

In summary, torque is the result of a force acting at a distance from the axis of rotation and requires at least two forces to exist. A force couple is a pair of equal and opposite forces that create a rotational force. Torque differs from force in that it causes an object to rotate around an axis, while force causes acceleration. Torque is a derived quantity and cannot be measured directly. It can be negative if the direction of rotation is opposite to the force applied.
  • #1
Voliminal
5
0
Is it necessary that torque can only be caused by a force couple? If not, then can you provide examples?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This looks like homework.

You need to show some work on the problem before we can help you.
 
  • #3
What do you understand torque is?
 
  • #4
A "force couple" implies that there are multiple forces acting upon an object but no net linear force on an object. Is this what you mean by "force couple"?
 
  • #5


Torque is a measure of the rotational force or moment applied to an object. It can be caused by a single force or a combination of forces acting on an object. While a force couple, which consists of two equal and opposite forces acting in parallel but not in the same line, is one way to produce torque, it is not the only way.

Torque can also be produced by a single force acting at a distance from the axis of rotation, known as a moment arm. For example, when you open a door, you are applying a torque to the door handle by pushing on it at a distance from the hinge.

Another example is a wrench turning a bolt. The force applied by the wrench to the bolt creates a torque, even though there is no force couple involved.

Therefore, it is not necessary that torque can only be caused by a force couple. It can also be caused by a single force or a combination of forces acting at a distance from the axis of rotation. This is important to understand in various fields of science, such as mechanics, engineering, and physics, where torque plays a crucial role in analyzing and designing systems.
 

FAQ: Can torque only be caused by a force couple?

Can torque be caused by a single force?

No, torque is the result of a force acting at a distance from the axis of rotation. In order for torque to exist, there must be at least two forces acting in opposite directions.

What is a force couple?

A force couple is a pair of forces that are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and act on different points of an object. This creates a rotational force or torque.

How is torque different from force?

Force is a push or pull that causes an object to accelerate, while torque is a twisting force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. Force is typically measured in Newtons, while torque is measured in Newton-meters.

Can torque be measured directly?

No, torque cannot be measured directly. It is a derived quantity that is calculated using the force applied, the distance from the axis of rotation, and the angle between the two forces.

Can torque be negative?

Yes, torque can be negative if the direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of the force. This indicates that the object is rotating in the opposite direction of the applied force.

Similar threads

Back
Top