biomechanics: torque and moments of force

The point at which the distribution of weight is equal in all directions

Center of Gravity (cog)

the turning effect produced by a force is called ____

torque

moment of force & angular / rotary force

torque

How to quantify torques?

torques (Nm) = force x moment arm

perpendicular distance between axis of rotation and the line of action of the force 

moment arm

Is torque a vector quanity?

yes it has direction (clockwise (-) & counterclockwise) (+)

Practice Problem 

Torque (Nm) = force x moment arm

Torque (Nm) = 100N x 0.5m = 50Nm counterclockwise (+)

Torques used in sports?

baseball

tennis

golf

what creates the turning effects that cause our limbs to rotate about our joints?

muscles

when an arm is at 90 degrees and extends, does the moment arm decrease or increase?

decrease

what characteristics define static equilibrium

net force / external forces = 0

object CANNOT be in motion