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Net Torque & Sign of Torque quiz

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  • What is the sign of torque for a clockwise rotation?
    The sign of torque for a clockwise rotation is negative.
  • What is the sign of torque for a counterclockwise rotation?
    The sign of torque for a counterclockwise rotation is positive.
  • How is net torque calculated when multiple torques act on an object?
    Net torque is calculated by simply adding the individual torques together, using their signs.
  • Are torques vectors or scalars, and what does this mean for their direction?
    Torques are scalars with orientation (positive or negative), not vectors, so they do not have a directional angle like forces.
  • What is the equation for torque?
    The equation for torque is Torque = Force x Distance x sin(angle).
  • What does a net torque of zero indicate about an object's rotation?
    A net torque of zero means the object is in rotational equilibrium and will not rotate.
  • How do you determine the direction (sign) of a torque produced by a force?
    You determine the sign by seeing if the force causes clockwise (negative) or counterclockwise (positive) rotation.
  • What is the maximum number of torques that can be produced by a given number of forces?
    The maximum number of torques is equal to the number of forces acting on the object.
  • What are the three steps to solve a torque problem?
    Draw the r vector, determine the angle, and use the torque equation.
  • How do you draw the r vector for a torque problem?
    The r vector is drawn from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.
  • Why is simple addition used for torques instead of vector addition?
    Simple addition is used because torques are scalars with only two possible orientations, not vectors with infinite directions.
  • If two torques are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign, what is the net torque?
    The net torque is zero because the torques cancel each other out.
  • What does the sine of the angle in the torque equation represent?
    It represents the component of the force perpendicular to the r vector.
  • How do you know which angle to use in the torque equation?
    You use the angle between the r vector and the force vector; sometimes it's the given angle, but you must check carefully.
  • What is rotational equilibrium?
    Rotational equilibrium occurs when the net torque on an object is zero, so it does not rotate.