All Flashcards
What is torque?
The rotational equivalent of force; a measure of how much a force causes an object to rotate.
Define lever arm.
The perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force.
What is the relationship between torque and lever arm?
A longer lever arm results in more torque for the same applied force.
What is the formula for the magnitude of torque?
, where r is the distance from the axis of rotation, F is the force, and θ is the angle between the force and position vector.
What condition maximizes torque?
Torque is maximized when the force is applied at a 90° angle to the lever arm.
What is torque?
The rotational equivalent of force; what causes objects to spin.
Define lever arm.
The perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.
What is the position vector () in the context of torque?
A vector pointing from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.
Define the cross product in relation to torque.
The mathematical operation used to calculate torque, given by .
What is the right-hand rule used for in the context of torque?
A method to determine the direction of the torque vector, which is perpendicular to both the position vector and the force vector.
What is the effect of increasing the lever arm on torque, assuming force remains constant?
Increases the torque.
What is the effect of applying a force directly through the axis of rotation?
Produces zero torque.
What is the effect of increasing the angle between the force vector and the position vector on the magnitude of the torque (up to 90 degrees)?
Increases the magnitude of the torque.
Cause: A net torque is applied to an object. Effect?
The object experiences angular acceleration.
Cause: A force is applied perpendicular to a wrench handle. Effect?
The wrench rotates, applying torque to the bolt.