relation between central force and torque
Answers
Answered by
2
Relation between central forces and torque
In rotational dynamics, it is said that central fores exert no torque on a system and therefore conserve angular momentum L . i.e. L = constant. This is because the force vector is directed along the radius vector. i.e. F parallel to r.
However there seems to be a contradiction. If the central force is exerting no torque why would the system rotate with an angular momentum?
For example if you have a two particles of opposite electric charge in an electric field forming a dipole, the central force, from the electric field, exerts a force on both particles to try and align the dipole with the field. Thus the dipole rotates and a torque has been exerted on the system.
In rotational dynamics, it is said that central fores exert no torque on a system and therefore conserve angular momentum L . i.e. L = constant. This is because the force vector is directed along the radius vector. i.e. F parallel to r.
However there seems to be a contradiction. If the central force is exerting no torque why would the system rotate with an angular momentum?
For example if you have a two particles of opposite electric charge in an electric field forming a dipole, the central force, from the electric field, exerts a force on both particles to try and align the dipole with the field. Thus the dipole rotates and a torque has been exerted on the system.
Similar questions