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Related Concept Videos

Torque01:10

Torque

Torque is an important quantity for describing the dynamics of a rotating rigid body. We see the application of torque in many ways in the world, such as when pressing the accelerator in a car, which causes the engine to apply additional torque on the drivetrain. Here, we define torque and provide a framework to create an equation to calculate torque for a rigid body with fixed-axis rotation.
Torque can be considered as the rotational counterpart to force. Since forces change the translational...
Angular Momentum: Single Particle01:10

Angular Momentum: Single Particle

Angular momentum is directed perpendicular to the plane of the rotation, and its magnitude depends on the choice of the origin. The perpendicular vector joining the linear momentum vector of an object to the origin is called the “lever arm.” If the lever arm and linear momentum are collinear, then the magnitude of the angular momentum is zero. Therefore, in this case, the object rotates about the origin such that it lies on the rim of the circumference defined by the lever arm magnitude.
The...
Net Torque Calculations01:19

Net Torque Calculations

When a mechanic tries to remove a hex nut with a wrench, it is easier if the force is applied at the farthest end of the wrench handle. The lever arm is the distance from the pivot point (the hex nut in this case) to the person’s hand. If this distance is large, the torque is higher. Only the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to the torque. Therefore, pushing the wrench perpendicular to the lever arm is more advantageous. If multiple people apply force to rotate...
Torque Free Motion01:15

Torque Free Motion

The torque-free motion refers to the movement of a rigid body in space when no external torques are acting upon it. This type of motion can be observed in environments where there are no external forces or frictions, like in outer space. For example, a rotation of Mars in space is a torque-free motion. Mars is an axisymmetric object, meaning it has an axis of symmetry along which it rotates, designated as the z-axis. The rotating frame of reference is defined such that the center of mass of...
Angle of Twist: Problem Solving01:13

Angle of Twist: Problem Solving

An electric motor applies a torque of 700 N·m to an aluminum shaft, triggering a stable rotation. Two pulleys, B and C, are subjected to torques of 300 N·m and 400 N·m, respectively. The modulus of rigidity is provided as 25 GPa. With the knowledge of the length and diameter of each segment, the twist angle between the two pulleys can be computed. First, a section cut is made between pulleys B and C, and the cut cross-section is analyzed using a free-body diagram. Given that the torque exerted...
Angular Momentum: Rigid Body01:11

Angular Momentum: Rigid Body

The total angular momentum of a rigid body can be calculated using the summation of the angular momentum of all the tiny particles rotating in the same plane. Considering all the tiny particles rotating in the x-y plane, the direction of angular momentum of all such particles and that of the rigid body would be perpendicular to the plane of the rotation along the z-axis.
This calculation can get complicated when tiny particles within the rigid body are not rotating in the same plane but have...

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Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
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Published on: August 31, 2021

Passive torque wrench and angular position detection using a single-beam optical trap.

James Inman1, Scott Forth, Michelle D Wang

  • 1Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

Optics Letters
|September 3, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel optical trapping method for precise torque measurement on biological samples. This technique uses a rotating laser beam for versatile rotational control and torsional analysis.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Optical Physics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Angular optical trapping enables rotational control and torque measurement on biological substrates.
  • Existing techniques may lack versatility and flexibility for broad applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a versatile and flexible method for angular optical trapping.
  • To demonstrate a technique for applying controllable torque and measuring angular position simultaneously.
  • To enable torsional measurements across diverse biological systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a single laser beam with rapidly rotating linear polarization.
  • Applied constant, controllable torque to a trapped particle without active feedback.
  • Simultaneously measured the particle's angular position.
  • Developed a device capable of switching between torque wrench and angular trap functionalities.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated the application of constant controllable torque using rotating polarization.
  • Achieved simultaneous torque application and angular position measurement.
  • Showcased the device's ability to rapidly switch between modes.
  • Validated the potential for torsional measurements on biological systems.

Conclusions:

  • The presented method enhances the versatility and flexibility of angular optical trapping.
  • This technique facilitates precise torsional measurements on biological substrates.
  • The device's adaptability supports a wide range of biophysical studies.