Question

When you're asked to calculate moments and torque, what's the main difference in calculation? Also what is a couple?

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Explanation below. b) Explanation below

Explanation:

Torque is defined as the product of a force by a radius, while momentum is defined as the product of force by a distance. Mathematically we would have

T = F * r

M = F * d

where:

T = torque = [N*m]

M = moment = [N*m]

F = force =[N]

d = distance [m]

r = radius [m]

Although they have the same units, the difference between them is the application. For the case of torque this is always applied in parts that are in rotation, such as the shafts of cars, the shafts of pumps, torque in gears and etc. While the moment can be applied to a body without the need for it to rotate.

A couple, is as its name suggests a couple of forces of equal magnitude but opposite sense and do not share a line of action. A body under the action of a couple of forces tends to rotate the body without moving it from one point to another.