What is Torque and How Does it Relate to Uniform Circular Motion?

In summary, torque is the tendency of a body to rotate about a point or axis. In uniform circular motion, the torque of the object is zero because the force is acting towards the center of the circle and the distance from the center of rotation is also towards the center, resulting in a perpendicular direction and therefore no torque.
  • #1
anotherperson
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If an object is undergoing uniform circular motion then the torque of the object is zero. this i'snt a homework question but I'm just trying to understand this concept and why this is. can anyone give me a good definition of torque?
 
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  • #2


Torque is like the tendency of a body to rotate about some point or axis. In vector form it is defined as τ= r x F where x is the cross product (the same as τ=|r||F|sinθ n where n is a unit vector) . In scalar form it would be torque = force * perpendicular distance from pivot point.

In uniform circular motion, the particle is rotating about the center of the circle. In what direction is the force acting and in what direction is the distance r(distance from center of rotation or particle)? (towards center, away from center, tangential, etc.)
 
  • #3


thanks for your help!
 

FAQ: What is Torque and How Does it Relate to Uniform Circular Motion?

Question 1:

What is the definition of torque in physics?

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate around an axis. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the object by the distance between the axis of rotation and the point of application of the force.

Question 2:

How is torque related to rotational motion?

Torque is directly related to rotational motion. The greater the torque applied to an object, the greater its rotational acceleration will be. This is described by Newton's Second Law, which states that the net torque on an object is equal to the moment of inertia times the angular acceleration.

Question 3:

What is the difference between torque and force?

While both torque and force are measures of a physical interaction, they are not the same thing. Force is a vector quantity that describes the push or pull on an object, while torque is a vector quantity that describes the ability of a force to rotate an object around an axis.

Question 4:

How does the distance from the axis of rotation affect torque?

The distance from the axis of rotation, also known as the lever arm, is a crucial factor in determining the torque applied to an object. The longer the lever arm, the greater the torque will be for a given force. This is why a lever or wrench with a longer handle is easier to use, as it allows for more torque to be applied to a bolt or nut.

Question 5:

What are some real-life examples of torque in action?

There are many examples of torque in everyday life, such as using a wrench to loosen a bolt, opening a door, or riding a bike. Other examples include the rotation of an engine's crankshaft, the spinning of a top, and the swinging of a pendulum. Understanding torque is crucial in various fields, including engineering, mechanics, and sports.

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