The magnitude of the torque exerted by a force of magnitude F is equal to the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation r⊥ multiplied by F. This is equivalent to saying it is equal to the distance from the axis of rotation r multiplied by the magnitude of the perpendicular component of the force, F⊥.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnitude of the torque (τ) can be calculated in two equivalent ways: τ = r⊥F or τ = rF⊥, where r⊥ is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force, and F⊥ is the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm. Both expressions are equivalent due to the trigonometric relationships involved in calculating torque.

The Magnitude of the Torque Exerted by a Force of Magnitude