Third Law (Torque form of Newton’s 3rd Law)
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Understanding Internal Forces
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Today, we're going to discuss how internal forces within a rigid body do not affect the net torque about the center of mass. Can anyone tell me what internal forces are?
Are they the forces that particles of the body exert on each other?
That's correct! Internal forces are indeed those forces acting between the particles of the rigid body. Now, how do these forces affect the movement of the rigid body?
They don't affect the net torque, right?
Exactly! Internal forces cancel each other out for torque calculations, which is crucial for our understanding. Let's remember this concept with the acronym 'CANCEL'. It stands for 'Contributions Are Not Critical Alone for Leaving'.
Torque Summary
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So, can anyone explain what we mean by torque in this context?
Torque is the measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate.
Well said! And when we calculate torque due to forces, we focus only on external forces. Why do you think that matters?
Because it simplifies our calculations and helps us understand motion better!
Precisely! Focusing on external forces prevents the complexity introduced by internal forces. Let’s summarize: 'Only EXTERNAL forces create NET torque'! Remember 'E-NET'.
Practical Implications of Torque
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Can anyone think of a real-world example where understanding internal vs. external forces is important?
What about when analyzing a spinning figure skater?
Great example! A figure skater pulls in their arms to spin faster, but what's happening with the internal forces during that action?
The internal forces are there, but they don't affect the rotation speed since it's the external forces doing that!
Exactly! Think of it like 'clear vision': Understanding what matters helps us see the larger picture. Now, let’s finalize this with a quick recap.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section introduces the torque form of Newton's third law, explaining that the internal forces within a rigid body do not affect the net torque calculated about the center of mass. This insight is crucial for understanding the dynamics of rigid bodies under rotation.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
The third law of motion, in the context of rigid body dynamics, asserts that internal forces within the body do not influence the net torque about the center of mass of the body. This principle is significant because it allows us to separate the effects of internal forces from external influences when analyzing the rotational motion of rigid bodies.
Key Points:
- Definition of Internal Forces: Forces that occur within the rigid body, such as tension, compression, and interactions among its particles.
- Torque Calculation: The torque, denoted as τ_ext for external torque, can be computed using the formulation that internal forces cancel each other, thereby impacting only external forces that contribute to rotational motion.
- Implications in Mechanics: This principle is vital for simplifying the analysis of systems undergoing rotation, enabling clearer insights into how such systems respond to external forces and torques rather than being obscured by internal dynamics.
Overall, recognizing that internal forces do not contribute to net torque allows us to focus on the interactions with external forces, paving the way for a practical approach to rigid body motion.
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Introduction to Internal Forces and Torque
Chapter 1 of 1
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Chapter Content
Internal forces within the rigid body do not contribute to the net torque about the center of mass.
Detailed Explanation
This statement means that when analyzing the dynamics of a rigid body, the forces that particles exert on each other (internal forces) do not affect the rotation of the body around its center of mass. Only external forces can cause changes in the net torque that influences rotational motion. This concept helps simplify the analysis of complex systems by allowing us to focus solely on external influences rather than the intricate interactions between individual parts of the body.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a spinning top. The forces between the molecules within the top do not affect its spinning motion. It continues to spin primarily because of the forces applied to it when it was set in motion. This analogy helps illustrate that even though all parts of the spinning top interact through internal forces, it is the external force that matters to its rotational behavior.
Key Concepts
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Torque: A critical factor in understanding rotational dynamics.
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Internal Forces: Do not contribute to the net torque in rotational motion.
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External Forces: Influence the overall motion and torque experienced by the rigid body.
Examples & Applications
When a door swings open, the force applied to the door handle generates torque that rotates the door about its hinges.
In a figure skating spin, the skater retracts their arms to increase rotational speed, emphasizing how internal forces do not change external torque.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Internal forces might seem tough, but when it comes to torque, they're not enough.
Stories
Picture a gymnast spinning, pulling in their limbs to gain speed; inside, the forces play, but it's the external pushes that lead the way.
Memory Tools
CANCEL: Contributions Are Not Critical Alone for Leaving (referring to internal forces).
Acronyms
E-NET
Only External forces create NET torque.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Rigid Body
An idealized solid object in which the distance between any two particles remains constant during motion.
- Torque
A measure of the force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion.
- Internal Forces
Forces that occur between the components of a rigid body.
- External Forces
Forces that act on a body from outside, affecting its motion or equilibrium.
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