External Torque vs. Torque: What's the Difference?

  • Thread starter Muthumanimaran
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Torque
In summary, external torque is the rotational force applied by an external force to an object, causing it to rotate around an axis. It is different from internal torque, which is generated within an object by internal forces. Examples of external torque include opening a door, using a wrench, or throwing a ball. It is measured in Newton-meters or foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Understanding external torque is important in physics as it is a fundamental concept in rotational motion and has practical applications in fields such as engineering and mechanics.
  • #1
Muthumanimaran
81
2
is there any difference between external torque and torque?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Motor control engineer here (so my answer is not really physics-based):

Torque - EM torque developed by an electric machine
External torque - torque imposed by load (positive - generators such as gas/wind, negative - fans, compressors, etc.)
 
  • #3
Draw a free body diagram. If the force producing the torque is external to a circle drawn around the body, the the force and its torque are external.
 

FAQ: External Torque vs. Torque: What's the Difference?

What is external torque?

External torque is the rotational force applied to an object by an external force. It causes an object to rotate around an axis.

How is external torque different from internal torque?

External torque is caused by an external force acting on an object, while internal torque is generated within an object due to internal forces.

What are some examples of external torque?

Some examples of external torque include opening a door, using a wrench to turn a bolt, or throwing a ball. In all of these cases, an external force is applied to cause rotational motion.

How is external torque measured?

External torque is measured in units of Newton-meters (N·m) or foot-pounds (ft·lb) using a torque wrench or other torque measuring device.

Why is understanding external torque important in physics?

Understanding external torque is important in physics because it is a fundamental concept in rotational motion and can be used to explain and predict the behavior of objects in rotational motion. It also has practical applications in fields such as engineering and mechanics.

Similar threads

I Effects of External Torques on the Angular Momentum of Asymmetric Bodies
Replies
3
Views
502
B Non-physicist needs your help torquing a nut!
Replies
9
Views
924
I Why is the driven gear's torque's direction clockwise?
Replies
6
Views
1K
I What is the Purpose of Torque?
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Torque without a torque wrench
Replies
3
Views
5K
I Moment of Inertia about an axis and Torque about a point
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Torque required from powered roller to rotate cylinder
Replies
19
Views
328
B What is physical significance of the direction of angular velocity?
Replies
2
Views
592
B Why does torque increase with increasing moment of inertia?
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Statement about torque in a system of particles
Replies
1
Views
853

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top