Guide

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Output
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Speed, Torque, and Power
Speed is a way of measuring how fast an object is moving. Speed measures how far an object
will travel over a given period of time. This measure is given in units of distance per time such as
Miles per Hour or Feet per Second.
Torque is a force directed in a circle, most often rotating an object. Torque is a spinning force.
When torque is spinning an object, the object will create a linear (straight line) force at its edge,
such as an axle spinning a tire and causing the tire to move in a straight line along the ground.
Torque is measured in units of force × distance, such as Inch-Pounds or Newton-Meters.
Power is the rate at which work is done. With VEX IQ, Smart Motors convert electrical energy
into mechanical energy and produce power for a mechanical system. Power is most commonly
measured in Watts.
The physical principles of Speed, Torque, and Power all fit together in what engineers call
Classical Mechanics. In Classical Mechanics, speed and torque have an inverse (or opposite)
relationship – as one increases the other decreases. Higher speed means lower torque, and
higher torque means lower speed.
Likewise, pieces that are farther out have a greater effect than pieces that are near the middle
of the robot. So, if your robot has an arm that lifts and/or reaches, its center of gravity changes
with that movement.
Also, the amount of power supplied has an effect on how much speed and/or torque can be
produced in a mechanical system.
F.3
F.4
cont.
Approximate
Center of Gravity
Approximate
Center of Gravity
Robot Arm Up and OutRobot Arm Down and In