How to find the sense of rotation of a resultant moment?

In summary, the sense of rotation is determined by the directions of the resultant force and the resultant perpendicular distance from that force to the axis of rotation. The moment vector is always perpendicular to the plane formed by those two vectors. To determine the sense of rotation for the resultant moment, one must calculate the resultant force and then use the right-hand rule with the displacement vector to determine the direction of rotation. This is the extra step needed when dealing with the resultant moment.
  • #1
simphys
324
46
Homework Statement
see picture
Relevant Equations
M = r X F
Hello, so I have a question about the sense of rotation of the body.
I get the calculating part nd stuff like that. But what I don't understand is how we would determine the sense of rotation about the moment axis?
Could someone explain this to me please? (to add to this, I know that it is determined by the right-hand rule, but how do we do that for the resultant moment?

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  • #2
The sense of rotation is determined by the directions of the resultant force and the resultant perpendicular distance from that force to the axis of rotation.
The moment vector is always perpendicular to the plane formed by those two vectors.
Please, see:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tord.html
 
  • #3
Lnewqban said:
The sense of rotation is determined by the directions of the resultant force and the resultant perpendicular distance from that force to the axis of rotation.
The moment vector is always perpendicular to the plane formed by those two vectors.
Please, see:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tord.html
Hmm I feared that would be the case... so basically what it comes down to is that I'd need to calculate the direction angles of the resultant force, and then add the two position vector, calculate the direction angles as well and then by usnig RHR I define the sense of rotation? Or would there perhaps be a less tedious/quicker way of approaching it?

Thanks for the help
 
  • #4
Most practical cases, in which magnitude and direction of moment or torque need to be estimated, are simpler than this problem.
On purpose, all forces and distances in this problem are off any main plane; therefore, the shown calculation process is one of the ways.
You could do the same with drawing projections, but it would not be easier.
 
  • #5
Lnewqban said:
Most practical cases, in which magnitude and direction of moment or torque need to be estimated, are simpler than this problem.
On purpose, all forces and distances in this problem are off any main plane; therefore, the shown calculation process is one of the ways.
You could do the same with drawing projections, but it would not be easier.
Thanks, but I am sorry just wanted to confirm, I mean I get that they did that on purpose as to make it a bit more complex, but what I meant was, that blue arrow. How does one calculate the sense about which it rotates about the torque axis or the way I explained in the previous comment.

Btw myapologies, perhaps you have said this and I've interpreted your comment in a different way.
 
  • #6
simphys said:
Thanks, but I am sorry just wanted to confirm, I mean I get that they did that on purpose as to make it a bit more complex, but what I meant was, that blue arrow. How does one calculate the sense about which it rotates about the torque axis or the way I explained in the previous comment.

Btw myapologies, perhaps you have said this and I've interpreted your comment in a different way.
No apologies needed, my English is terrible.
Did you check that link?
I am not sure about what do you find difficult, sorry.
If the arrow is pointing towards you, the rotation is CCW; if away from you, the rotation is CW.
 
  • #7
simphys said:
what I meant was, that blue arrow. How does one calculate the sense about which it rotates about the torque axis or the way I explained in the previous comment.
With your right hand, point your thumb in the direction of the arrow. Your fingers will indicate the direction of rotation.
 
  • #8
Lnewqban said:
No apologies needed, my English is terrible.
Did you check that link?
I am not sure about what do you find difficult, sorry.
If the arrow is pointing towards you, the rotation is CCW; if away from you, the rotation is CW.
it's okay, thanks. so (refer to below)
vela said:
With your right hand, point your thumb in the direction of the arrow. Your fingers will indicate the direction of rotation.

So thanks guys for the help, I know that that is the direction of rotation, but..
My question is, so ofcourse, you can find the sense of rotation of ONE FORCE by the right hand rule right.
But..
When it is the RESULTANT MOMENT, to determine the sense of rotation, is this the extra step that needs to be taken?
calculating the resultant force, then the displacement vector to it and afterwards use the right hand rule to get the sense of rotation of the resultant moment?

Thanks in advance!
 
  • #9
Yes, that is the way to determine the sense of rotation.
You are welcome.
 

FAQ: How to find the sense of rotation of a resultant moment?

How do I determine the direction of the resultant moment?

The direction of the resultant moment can be determined by using the right-hand rule. Point your right thumb in the direction of the force and curl your fingers towards the direction of rotation. The direction in which your fingers curl is the direction of the resultant moment.

Can the sense of rotation of a resultant moment change?

Yes, the sense of rotation of a resultant moment can change depending on the direction of the applied force. If the force is applied in the opposite direction, the sense of rotation of the resultant moment will also be reversed.

How does the distance from the pivot point affect the sense of rotation of a resultant moment?

The distance from the pivot point does not affect the sense of rotation of a resultant moment. The sense of rotation is solely determined by the direction of the applied force and the direction in which the force is applied.

What is the difference between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation?

Clockwise rotation is when an object rotates in the same direction as the hands of a clock, while counterclockwise rotation is when an object rotates in the opposite direction. The sense of rotation of a resultant moment can be either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of the applied force.

How do I know if a resultant moment is balanced or unbalanced?

If the resultant moment is balanced, it means that the net torque acting on an object is equal to zero and there is no rotation. If the resultant moment is unbalanced, it means that the net torque is not equal to zero and there is a rotation occurring. This can be determined by calculating the sum of all the torques acting on an object and comparing it to zero.

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