Newton-Meter

Definition

The newton-meter (N⋅m) is the unit used to measure torque, which is the rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis, pivot, or fulcrum. It is the product of the applied force and the perpendicular distance between the axis of rotation and the line of action of the force.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The newton-meter is the unit used to measure the magnitude of a torque, which is the product of the applied force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force.
2. Torque is a key concept in the Work-Energy Theorem, as it represents the rotational work done on an object, which can change its rotational kinetic energy.
3. The conservation of energy principle applies to rotational motion, where changes in potential energy and work done by torque are balanced by changes in rotational kinetic energy.
4. The stability of an object in a potential energy diagram is determined by the torque acting on the object, with stable equilibrium points corresponding to minimum potential energy.
5. Torque is also a fundamental quantity in rotational motion, as it determines the angular acceleration of an object and the work done in rotating an object.

Review Questions

• Explain how the newton-meter is used to measure torque and its relationship to the Work-Energy Theorem.
  • The newton-meter (N⋅m) is the unit used to measure the magnitude of a torque, which is the rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis. Torque is the product of the applied force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force. In the context of the Work-Energy Theorem, torque represents the rotational work done on an object, which can change its rotational kinetic energy. The work done by a torque is equal to the change in the object's rotational kinetic energy, as described by the Work-Energy Theorem.
• Describe how the conservation of energy principle applies to rotational motion in terms of the newton-meter.
  • The conservation of energy principle applies to rotational motion, where changes in potential energy and work done by torque (measured in newton-meters) are balanced by changes in rotational kinetic energy. For example, if an object is raised to a higher position, its gravitational potential energy increases, which is then converted to rotational kinetic energy as the object rotates about an axis. The work done by the torque acting on the object is equal to the change in its rotational kinetic energy, as described by the conservation of energy.
• Analyze how the newton-meter is used to determine the stability of an object in a potential energy diagram and the work done in rotating an object.
  • The stability of an object in a potential energy diagram is determined by the torque acting on the object, which is measured in newton-meters. Stable equilibrium points correspond to minimum potential energy, where the net torque acting on the object is zero. Conversely, unstable equilibrium points correspond to maximum potential energy, where a small perturbation would cause the object to rotate away from the equilibrium position. Additionally, the work done in rotating an object is equal to the product of the torque (in newton-meters) and the angle of rotation, which can be used to calculate changes in the object's rotational kinetic energy.

Related terms

Torque: The rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis, pivot, or fulcrum, measured in newton-meters (N⋅m).

Work: The transfer of energy by a force acting on an object as it moves in the direction of that force, measured in joules (J).

Power: The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in watts (W).