Torque-talk 1

In this edited Internet extract, we focus on the simple seesaw.                                          Torque Home page

The extract has been simplified and decimalised; the latter for ease of specific text referencing. more

1  Torque

1. Torque is the twisting effect caused by a force applied at a distance from a point of rotation. 
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3. It provides a simple way for testing and measuring the rotational movement of an object.
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5. Torque is used to find and measure the effect of a force that causes an object to rotate about an axis. The most common use of torque is found in the household tool, the torque wrench. (added link)
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7. This tool uses torque to tighten and loosen bolts and other objects. Torque can also be found in many everyday situations, including the opening and closing of a hinged door. 
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9. It is frequently used in the fields of mechanical and automotive engineering, as well as in physics. 

2  Terms

1. Pivot or fulcrum is the fixed point about which an object rotates.
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3. Lever arm ... is the perpendicular distance from pivot to point of application of the force.

 

3  Torque real life application → Seesaw

1. Seesaws are a good example of torque in our daily life.
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3. In the seesaw, the pivot (centre point) is the bar that supports the seesaw. And the seesaw itself is a lever.
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5. When two children are roughly the same weight and they are each sitting on the ends of the seesaw at the equal distance from the centre(pivot), the seesaw will be balanced . . . because they're exerting equal and oppositely directed forces (gravitational force, or weight). 
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7. Obviously the seesaw only works when it is balanced.  
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9. However, sometimes children may encounter the situation that one kid is significantly heavier than the other sitting on one end of the seesaw in which causes the seesaw to become unbalanced.   
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13. In order to balance the seesaw, the heavier child had to move closer to the centre to achieve.
14.  equilibrium.  
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16. Common sense to you. - And children?  
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18. They interpret the situation intuitively.  No question of physics. 
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20. source  much edited remember

5  Additional thought          

                          

1. Torque is used in the opening of a door.
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3. Everyone has a basic understanding of torque from pushing a door. 
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5. The door is on the opposite side from the hinges because it takes considerably less force to open a door there than it would if the handle was closer to the hinge. 
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7. The greater the force you apply, the faster the door will open.

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