The Four Forces Exerted Tangentially

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 101 views

A System of Two Wheels: Understanding the Dynamics of Rotational Motion

When it comes to rotational motion, understanding the dynamics of a system of two wheels fixed to each other is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the world of physics and explore the concept of a system of two wheels, where two eheels are fixed to each other, allowing them to rotate freely about a frictionless axis. This axis is perpendicular to the page and passes through the common center of the wheels. We will examine the four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels and analyze the resulting motion.

Imagine two wheels, each with a radius of 10 cm, fixed to each other at their centers. The wheels are free to rotate about a frictionless axis that passes through their common center and is perpendicular to the page. This setup allows us to study the rotational motion of the system without any external torques or forces acting on it.

The Four Forces Exerted Tangentially

There are four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels. These forces are:

F1: A force of 10 N exerted tangentially to the rim of the left wheel in a clockwise direction.
F2: A force of 20 N exerted tangentially to the rim of the left wheel in a counterclockwise direction.
F3: A force of 15 N exerted tangentially to the rim of the right wheel in a clockwise direction.
F4: A force of 25 N exerted tangentially to the rim of the right wheel in a counterclockwise direction.

To analyze the motion of the system, we need to consider the net torque acting on the wheels. The net torque is the sum of the individual torques exerted by each force. Since the forces are exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels, we can use the formula:

τ = r x F

where τ is the torque, r is the radius of the wheel, and F is the force exerted.

Calculating the Net Torque

Let's calculate the net torque acting on the system.

Torque due to F1: τ1 = 0.1 m x 10 N = 1 Nm (clockwise)
Torque due to F2: τ2 = 0.1 m x 20 N = 2 Nm (counterclockwise)
Torque due to F3: τ3 = 0.1 m x 15 N = 1.5 Nm (clockwise)
Torque due to F4: τ4 = 0.1 m x 25 N = 2.5 Nm (counterclockwise)

The net torque acting on the system is the sum of the individual torques:

τ_net = τ1 + τ2 + τ3 + τ4 = 1 Nm + 2 Nm + 1.5 Nm + 2.5 Nm = 7 Nm

Since the net torque acting on the system is 7 Nm, the system will experience a rotational motion. The direction of the motion can be determined by the sign of the net torque. In this case, the net torque is positive, indicating that the system will rotate in a clockwise direction.

In conclusion, the system of two wheels fixed to each other is free to rotate about a frictionless axis. The four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels result in a net torque acting on the system. By analyzing the motion of the system, we can determine the resulting rotational motion and the direction of the motion.

A system of two wheels fixed to each other is free to rotate about a frictionless axis.
The four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels result in a net torque acting on the system.
The direction of the motion can be determined by the sign of the net torque.
The system will experience a rotational motion due to the net torque acting on it.

For further reading on rotational motion and the dynamics of systems, we recommend the following resources:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca
University Physics by Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman
Rotational Motion by OpenStax

Torque by Wikipedia
Rotational Motion by Khan Academy
Physics by MIT OpenCourseWare
A System of Two Wheels: Understanding the Dynamics of Rotational Motion - Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the concept of a system of two wheels fixed to each other, where two eheels are free to rotate about a frictionless axis. We analyzed the four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels and determined the resulting rotational motion. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the system of two wheels and rotational motion.

Q: What is the significance of the frictionless axis in the system of two wheels?

A: The frictionless axis is crucial in the system of two wheels as it allows the wheels to rotate freely without any external torques or forces acting on them. This setup enables us to study the rotational motion of the system without any external influences.

Q: How do the four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels affect the system?

A: The four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels result in a net torque acting on the system. The net torque determines the direction and magnitude of the rotational motion.

Q: Can the system of two wheels experience a rotational motion if the net torque is zero?

A: Yes, the system of two wheels can experience a rotational motion even if the net torque is zero. This can occur if the system is subject to an external torque or force that causes it to rotate.

Q: How can we determine the direction of the rotational motion?

A: The direction of the rotational motion can be determined by the sign of the net torque. If the net torque is positive, the system will rotate in a clockwise direction. If the net torque is negative, the system will rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

Q: What is the relationship between the radius of the wheel and the torque exerted on it?

A: The radius of the wheel is directly proportional to the torque exerted on it. This means that as the radius of the wheel increases, the torque exerted on it also increases.

Q: Can the system of two wheels experience a rotational motion if the forces exerted on the wheels are not tangential?

A: No, the system of two wheels cannot experience a rotational motion if the forces exerted on the wheels are not tangential. The forces must be exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels to result in a net torque.

Q: How can we apply the concept of rotational motion to real-world scenarios?

A: The concept of rotational motion can be applied to various real-world scenarios, such as the rotation of a car's wheels, the spinning of a top, or the movement of a merry-go-round. Understanding rotational motion is essential in designing and building machines that rotate or spin.

In conclusion, the system of two wheels fixed to each other is a complex system that can experience a rotational motion due to the four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels. By understanding the dynamics of rotational motion, we can determine the direction and magnitude of the motion and apply the concept to real-world scenarios.

The frictionless axis is crucial in the system of two wheels as it allows the wheels to rotate freely without any external torques or forces acting on them.
The four forces exerted tangentially to the rims of the wheels result in a net torque acting on the system.
The direction of the rotational motion can be determined by the sign of the net torque.
The radius of the wheel is directly proportional to the torque exerted on it.
The system of two wheels cannot experience a rotational motion if the forces exerted on the wheels are not tangential.

For further reading on rotational motion and the dynamics of systems, we recommend the following resources:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca
University Physics by Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman
Rotational Motion by OpenStax

Torque by Wikipedia
Rotational Motion by Khan Academy
Physics by MIT OpenCourseWare