Equilibrium

9.1 Torque

 A torque is an action that causes objects to rotate.

 Torque is not the same thing as force.

 For rotational motion, the torque is what is most directly related to the motion, not the force.

 Motion in which an entire object moves is called translation.

 Motion in which an object spins is called rotation.

 The point or line about which an object turns is its center of rotation.

 An object can rotate and translate.

 Torque is created when the line of action of a force does not pass through the center of rotation.

 The line of action is an imaginary line that follows the direction of a force and passes through its point of
application.

Lever arm length (m)

Torque (N m)
•
=rxF
 Force (N)

9.1 Calculate a torque

• A force of 50 newton is applied to a wrench that is 30 centimeters long.

• Calculate the torque if the force is applied perpendicular to the wrench so the
lever arm is 30 cm.

Rotational Equilibrium

• When an object is in rotational equilibrium, the net torque applied to it is zero.

• Rotational equilibrium is often used to determine unknown forces.

• What are the forces (FA, FB) holding the bridge up at either end?

9.1 Calculate using equilibrium

 A boy and his cat sit on a seesaw.

 The cat has a mass of 4 kg and sits 2 m from the center of rotation.

 If the boy has a mass of 50 kg, where should he sit so that the see-saw will balance?
 ROTATIONAL EQUILIBRIUM

A necessary condition for a body to be in rotational equilibrium is that the sum of the torques with their proper signs
about point must be zero.

∑t = 0

The condition is known as the second condition for equilibrium.

Sample Problem

A 120 N child and a 200 N child sit at the opposite ends of 4.00 m uniform seesaw pivoted at its center. Where should a
140 N child sit to balance the seesaw?

2.0 m

120 N 140 N W 200 N

9.1 When the force and lever arm are NOT perpendicular
9.1 Calculate a torque

 A 20-centimeter wrench is used to loosen a bolt.

 The force is applied 0.20 m from the bolt.

 It takes 50 newtons to loosen the bolt when the force is applied perpendicular to the wrench.

 How much force would it take if the force was applied at a 30-degree angle from perpendicular?