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183_notes:torque [2021/05/08 18:49] – [Torques Cause Changes in Rotation] stumptyl | 183_notes:torque [2021/05/08 18:55] – [Torque] stumptyl | ||
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- | ==== Torque ==== | + | ===== Torque |
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- | //Torque is a vector quantity that describes how you can change the rotation of an object.// Specifically, | + | **Torque is a vector quantity that describes how you can change the rotation of an object.**. Specifically, |
Consider a bolt that is located at A in the figure to the right. You attach a wrench to location A and push on the end of the wrench with the force indicated. The vector that points from A to the end of the wrench where the force is applied is $\vec{r}_A$. This distance is often called the "lever arm." It indicates the point of application of the force relative to the rotation axis. | Consider a bolt that is located at A in the figure to the right. You attach a wrench to location A and push on the end of the wrench with the force indicated. The vector that points from A to the end of the wrench where the force is applied is $\vec{r}_A$. This distance is often called the "lever arm." It indicates the point of application of the force relative to the rotation axis. | ||
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$$\vec{\tau}_{A} = \vec{r}_A \times \vec{F}$$ | $$\vec{\tau}_{A} = \vec{r}_A \times \vec{F}$$ | ||
- | The //torque is a vector//; it has both a magnitude and direction. The units of torque are Newton-meters ($\mathrm{Nm}$). This is the first physical quantity that you have seen that seen that depends on the cross (vector) product between two vectors. It's worth taking some time to understand how this mathematics works. | + | The **torque is a vector**; it has both a magnitude and direction.** The units of torque are Newton-meters ($\mathrm{Nm}$)**. This is the first physical quantity that you have seen that depends on the cross (vector) product between two vectors. It's worth taking some time to understand how this mathematics works. |
- | === The magnitude | + | ==== The Magnitude |
- | The magnitude of the the torque depends on the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm. In the figure above, the perpendicular component of the force is given by, | + | **The magnitude of the torque depends on the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm**. In the figure above, the perpendicular component of the force is given by, |
$$F_{\perp} = F\sin\theta$$ | $$F_{\perp} = F\sin\theta$$ | ||
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So, as shown in the figure to the right, the torque is only due to the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm ($F_{\perp}$). | So, as shown in the figure to the right, the torque is only due to the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm ($F_{\perp}$). | ||
- | === The direction | + | ==== The Direction |
Torque is a vector quantity; it has a direction. How can you determine that direction? | Torque is a vector quantity; it has a direction. How can you determine that direction? |