always use the magnitude ( positive number) of the force and position vectors and moment arm when calculating torques. The sign of the torque is then determined by clockwise or counterclockwise torque , ccw is plus in this example, cw is minus, simply by convention.negation said:
PhanthomJay said:
There are several ways to calculate torque about a point. One such way is to use torque = magnitude of force times the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to point, where the perpendicular distance is called the 'moment arm'. Another is to use the cross product rule. Sign of torque is plus if ccw, minus if cw, using the convention that ccw torques are positive.negation said:
PhanthomJay said:
No, the moment arm is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force vector to the point, which woukld be rm on your sketch.negation said:
Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It is important because it helps us understand the relationship between force, distance, and rotation, which is crucial in many scientific fields such as physics, engineering, and biomechanics.
To calculate torque, you need to know the magnitude of the force being applied and the distance between the force and the axis of rotation. You can then multiply the force by the distance to get the torque in Newton-meters (Nm).
The moment arm is the perpendicular distance between the applied force and the axis of rotation. It is an essential component in calculating torque, as the longer the moment arm, the greater the torque.
Yes, torque can be negative. This means that the direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of the applied force. In other words, the force is trying to rotate the object in the opposite direction.
Torque is applied in various real-life situations, such as opening a jar lid, tightening a bolt, or pedaling a bike. It is also important in sports, such as throwing a ball or swinging a golf club, where understanding torque can improve performance.