On the transformation of torques between the laboratory and center of mass reference frames
Physics Education
2007-05-23 v2 Classical Physics
Abstract
It is commonly stated in Newtonian Mechanics that the torque with respect to the laboratory frame is equal to the torque with respect to the center of mass frame plus a (R X F) factor, with "R" being the position of the center of mass and "F" denoting the total external force. Although this assertion is true, there is a subtlety in the demonstration that is overlooked in the textbooks. In addition, it is necessary to clarify that if the reference frame attached to the center of mass rotates with respect to certain inertial frame, the assertion is not true any more.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0504192,
title = {On the transformation of torques between the laboratory and center of mass reference frames},
author = {Rodolfo A. Diaz and William J. Herrera},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0504192},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
5 pages, 3 figures, LaTeX2e. A discussion about rotating reference frames added. Examples and new figures included. Version to appear in Revista Mexicana de Fisica