In: Physics
Can you give me an example of translational
equilibrium without rotational equilibrium?
I also need an example of rotational equilibrium without
translational equilibrium. Thanks!
An example of translational equilibrium without rotational equilibrium:
Consider a pulley attached to a ceiling and two masses hanging on either side of the pulley. When the two masses are unequal the heavier masses will accelerate downwards towards the earth. The pulley will rotate. The pulley is in translational equilibrium it does not move. However, it is not in rotational equilibrium its angular acceleration is non zero because the tension in strings on either side of the pulley are different. In the figure below, the mass on the right hand side is heavier than the mass on the left side. The pulley will undergo an accelerated rotation in the clockwise direction. But the pulley does not translate.
An example of rotational equilibrium without translational equilibrium:
An object falling freely near the surface of the Earth can be considered as an example of rotational equilibrium without translational equilibrium. In the above figure, a freely falling plank is shown.