# Rotating Torque

I have started learning about rotating torque from Berkely Physics Course-1. I came across the bead on massless rod setup as shown in the figure below.

Since omega and angular momentum are not aligned, bearings must be added for sustained rotation in the above configuration.

What I don't understand, is what is providing the opposite torque in absence of the bearings.(i.e. making the rod vertical).By making vertical I mean, making theta=π/2. I, guess it is the tension, but how can tension provide torque, since it's directed towards origin.

• Are you asking what happens when $\theta = \pi/2$ ? Mar 20, 2019 at 14:30
• @ja72 umm no. In that case tension provides the centrepetal force. But what is the role of tension in general case(i.e theta not equal to 0) Mar 20, 2019 at 15:43
• I guess I got confused by your statement "making the rod vertical". It is possible to edit the question and clarify the scenario you are asking about. Mar 20, 2019 at 16:34
• @ja72 done. I mean if we don't add bearings the rod quickly becomes vertical. How is that happening Mar 20, 2019 at 16:37

If the bearings were removed at the instant which is shown in the diagram the angular momentum $$\vec J$$ will not change as there are no external torques acting on this system of two masses and the rod.
What you would see is the two masses rotating at constant speed on opposite sides of a circular trajectory of radius $$a$$ whose plane is perpendicular to the angular momentum vector with the tension forces causing the centripetal acceleration of the masses.