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When there are 2 forces normal to each end of a uniform pole, if they had the same force, the rotation would be cancelled out and all force would be acting in one direction. But if one force was smaller, some force would act to rotate the pole. This is easy to calculate with moments and torque, but how would you calculate the force pushing it in a line? I'm rather sure it won't be the whole force acting in that direction, as that would suggest a force on one end with no force on the other would not spin around the CoM but that the CoM would spin around a point in space.

Another way to put it would be: can the force that is "used" in torque be directly used to calculate linear force (this would make it not spin around the CoM)?

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Michael Seifert
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Charlie Parker
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1 Answers1

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I'm rather sure it won't be the whole force acting in that direction, as that would suggest a force on one end with no force on the other would not spin around the CoM but that the CoM would spin around a point in space.

A force on one end would simultaneously produce a torque (causing the object to rotate), and cause the center of mass to accelerate. The entire net force contributes to net acceleration. It does not matter if the force is in line with the center, the net acceleration of the object is identical.

can the force that is "used" in torque be directly used to calculate linear force

Yes.

(this would make it not spin around the CoM)?

Why do you think that would be so? Strike one end of a ruler rapidly. It will both accelerate away from you and it will rotate around its center of mass.

BowlOfRed
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