What is torque?

The rotational equivalent of force; what causes objects to spin.

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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 ( $\vec{r}$ ) 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 $\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}$ .

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.

How do you determine the direction of torque using the right-hand rule?

Point your fingers in the direction of $\vec{r}$ . 2. Curl your fingers towards the direction of $\vec{F}$ . 3. Your thumb points in the direction of the torque $\vec{\tau}$ .

What are the steps to calculating torque when the force is at an angle?

Break down the force into components. 2. Identify the perpendicular component to the lever arm. 3. Calculate torque using the perpendicular component and the lever arm length.

How do you calculate the magnitude of torque using the cross product?

Identify the magnitudes of $\vec{r}$ and $\vec{F}$ . 2. Determine the angle $\theta$ between $\vec{r}$ and $\vec{F}$ . 3. Calculate $|overrightarrow{\tau}| = rF \sin \theta$ .

All Flashcards

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 ( $\vec{r}$ ) 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 $\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}$ .

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.

How do you determine the direction of torque using the right-hand rule?

Point your fingers in the direction of $\vec{r}$ . 2. Curl your fingers towards the direction of $\vec{F}$ . 3. Your thumb points in the direction of the torque $\vec{\tau}$ .

What are the steps to calculating torque when the force is at an angle?

Break down the force into components. 2. Identify the perpendicular component to the lever arm. 3. Calculate torque using the perpendicular component and the lever arm length.

How do you calculate the magnitude of torque using the cross product?

Identify the magnitudes of $\vec{r}$ and $\vec{F}$ . 2. Determine the angle $\theta$ between $\vec{r}$ and $\vec{F}$ . 3. Calculate $|overrightarrow{\tau}| = rF \sin \theta$ .