The turning effect of a force about a chosen pivot.
Difficulty
Beginner
Read time
5 min
Prerequisites
Forces, angles, and rotational direction
Source
OpenStax, University Physics Volume 1, §10.6: TorqueEquation reference for torque magnitude and the right-hand rule. Explanation and worked example written for FormuLab.
A force produces more turning effect when applied farther from the pivot and more nearly perpendicular to the position vector. A force whose line of action passes through the pivot gives zero torque about it. The same force can therefore have different torques about different pivots.
| Symbol | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude of torque about the pivot | ||
| Distance from pivot to force application point | ||
| Magnitude of the applied force | ||
| Angle between the position vector and force |
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A wrench extends 0.300 m horizontally to the right from a bolt. An 80.0 N force acts at its end, 30.0° above the rightward horizontal. Find the torque magnitude and rotational direction about the bolt.
Equation reference for torque magnitude and the right-hand rule. Explanation and worked example written for FormuLab.
Assumptions
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