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Chapter 10: Problem 5

Is it possible to apply a counterclockwise torque to an object that's rotating clockwise? If so, how will the object's motion change? If not, why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, it's possible to apply a counterclockwise torque to an object that's rotating clockwise. The applied counterclockwise torque would negate the clockwise rotation slowing it down. If the torque continued to be applied, it could stop the object's rotation and even make it start rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Torque

Torque is a measure of how much force acting on an object will cause that object to rotate. It is calculated as the product of the force that's applied and the distance from the axis on which the object rotates. If force is applied in the direction of motion, it increases the speed, and if it's applied against the direction of motion, it decreases the speed.
02

Applying a Counterclockwise Torque

Counterclockwise torque can indeed be applied to an object that is rotating clockwise. This is due to the fact that the direction of rotation doesn't barricade the application of torque in the opposite direction.
03

The Effect on the Object's Motion

Applying a counterclockwise torque to a rotating object would provide a force against the direction of motion (in our case, clockwise). This would slow down the motion and if enough torque is applied, it can stop the object's clockwise rotation entirely. If the counterclockwise torque continues to be applied after the object has stopped, the object would then begin to rotate counterclockwise.

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