Statics & Torque

Equilibrium

When all forces on an object are balance and a = 0

1st Condition of Equilibrium

Net F = 0

2nd Condition of Equilibrium

Net τ = 0

Static Equilibrium

A motionless object

Dynamic Equilibrium

Object moving with constant velocity

Torque

The rotational equivalent of a force, changes angular velocity

What is torque based on?

Distance from the pivot, force, and angle between F and the pivot

Torque equation

τ = rFsinø

What is r?

Distance from the pivot

What is Sinø?

The angle between the force and the pivot

Perpendicular lever arm

The perpendicular distance from the force to the pivot

Stable Equilibrium

When displaced the object has a restoring force

Unstable Equilibrium

When displaced, object has a displacement in the same direction

Neutral Equillibrium

When displaced, object comes to rest in the new position