Two forces produce equal torques on a door about the door hinge.The first force is exerted at the midpoint of the door; the second force is applied at the doorknob.Both forces are exerted perpendicular to the door.Which force has a greater magnitude?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since torque is the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot point (torque = force x distance), and both forces produce equal torques, the force applied closer to the hinge (at the midpoint) must be greater to compensate for the shorter distance compared to the force applied at the doorknob.

Two Forces Produce Equal Torques on a Door About the Door