October 08

TORQUE
 1 define the concept of the torque
of a force about a given point.

LESSON 2 calculate the magnitude of toque

OBJECTI 3 determine the direction of torque.

VE 4 calculate the magnitude and

direction of torque using the
definition of torque as a cross
product.
4
GUIDE QUESTIO
1.In which force
configuration did the
rectangular object not
move?
2.What happens when
you push the object
with your fingers
farther from the
4 center?
3.What happens when
you increase the force
exerted on the object
for each
configuration?
TORQUE
Torque refers to the tendency of a
force to rotate an object around a point
or axis.

The strength of the rotation (torque)

depends on how strong the force is and
how far it is from the point of rotation.
TORQUE
A larger distance between
the force and the axis of
rotation (called the lever
arm) makes it easier to
rotate the object.

If the force is applied

directly on the axis of
rotation, no rotation occurs.
TORQUE
Torque, also called moment of force, describes the tendency
of a force to rotate an object around an axis.

Torque is a vector that points perpendicular to both the

position vector (r) and the force vector (F).

Mathematically, torque is the result of the cross product (or

vector product) between the position vector and the force
vector.

Formula: Torque (τ) = r × F

TORQUE
Where:
• r is the position vector
from the axis of rotation
to the point where the
force is applied.

• F is the applied force.

TORQUE
We use torque in many daily
tasks, often without realizing it.

For example, when closing a

door, it’s easier to push it
far from the hinges rather
than close to them.
This is why doorknobs
This is because the farther are placed far from
you push from the hinges, the hinges—to make it
the larger the torque and easier to open and
the less force needed. close the door.
• Force: This is a push or pull applied to an object that can
cause it to move, stop, or change direction. In the context of
torque, the force is what you apply to make an object rotate
around a point or axis.

• Moment Arm (or Lever Arm): This is the perpendicular distance

between the point where the force is applied and the axis of
rotation. A longer moment arm makes it easier to rotate the
 Magnitude of
Torque
The magnitude of torque can be described as
follows:
• The magnitude of the cross product between
the position vector (r) and the force vector
(F) is given by:
 Magnitude of
Torque
• Similarly, the
expressed as:
magnitude of torque is

Where:
• r is the length of the position vector (distance from the axis of
rotation to the point where the force is applied),

• F is the magnitude of the applied force,

• θ is the angle between the position vector r and the force vector F.
 • The magnitude of torque (τ) is directly
proportional to both the applied force (F) and the
length of the lever arm (r), with the angle (θ)
between the force and the position vector
affecting the result. This relationship is described
by the equation:

This equation shows:

• Torque increases as the applied force increases.
• Torque also increases as the lever arm gets longer.
• The torque is greatest when the force is applied
perpendicularly (θ = 90° and sin(90°) = 1), which
maximizes the effectiveness of the force in
producing rotation.
 • The magnitude of torque (τ) is directly
proportional to both the applied force (F) and the
length of the lever arm (r), with the angle (θ)
between the force and the position vector
affecting the result. This relationship is described
by the equation:

This equation shows:

• Torque increases as the applied force increases.
• Torque also increases as the lever arm gets longer.
• The torque is greatest when the force is applied
perpendicularly (θ = 90° and sin(90°) = 1), which
maximizes the effectiveness of the force in
producing rotation.
The lever arm (l) can be calculated using the
equation:

This represents the perpendicular distance from the

axis of rotation to the line of action of the force. Using
this, torque can also be expressed as:
 Thus, torque is the product of
the applied force (F) and the
perpendicular distance or
lever arm (l), which influences
how effectively the force can
cause rotation.
The torque (τ) is zero when the angle (θ) is either 0° or
180°. This means that the position vector (r) lies directly
along the line of action of the force (F), so no rotational
effect is produced.

For a given force (F) and position vector (r), the torque is
maximized when the position vector coincides with the
lever arm, which occurs at θ = 90°.
If three forces of equal magnitude
are applied on the wrench, one
close to the axis of rotation, the
second directed toward the axis of
rotation, and the third, farther from
this axis, which of them is most
likely to unfasten the tight bolt?
Force Close to the Axis of Rotation:
• This force has a short lever arm, resulting in minimal torque. It is least
effective at unfastening the tight bolt.

Force Directed Toward the Axis of Rotation:

• This force is applied in line with the axis of rotation. Since the angle
(θ) is 0° or 180°, it produces zero torque and will not help unfasten the
bolt.

Force Farther from the Axis of Rotation:

• This force has a longer lever arm, which significantly increases the
torque produced. If applied perpendicularly (at 90°), it creates the
maximum torque and is most likely to unfasten the tight bolt.
How will you apply this concept to
making a fidget spinner rotate?
How will you apply this concept to
making a fidget spinner rotate?

To make a fidget spinner rotate effectively, apply

force away from the axis of rotation at the outer
edge. Flicking it at a right angle (90°) to the axis
maximizes the lever arm, increasing torque for a
faster spin.
 DIRECTION OF
TORQUE
The direction of the cross
product of two vectors is
given by the right-handed
coordinate system.

The right-hand rule is a

helpful way to determine
the direction of torque in
relation to the position
vector and the force vector.
DIRECTION OF
TORQUE
Here’s a concise summary of how to
use it:

1. Position Your Right Hand: Extend

your right hand so your fingers point
in the direction of the position vector
(r).

2. Curl Your Fingers: Curl your fingers

towards the direction of the force
vector (F).

3. Thumb Direction: Your outstretched

thumb will now point in the direction
of the torque vector (τ).
In a right-handed coordinate Cross Product:
When using the cross product in
system, the unit vectors are
this system, the results will
typically denoted as i, j, and k. follow the right-hand rule. For
example:
1. Unit Vectors:
• i (î): Represents the unit • i × j = k: The cross product of
vector in the x-direction the x-axis and y-axis unit
(horizontal). vectors gives the z-axis unit
vector.
• j (ĵ): Represents the unit
vector in the y-direction • j × k = i: The cross product of
the y-axis and z-axis unit
(vertical).
vectors gives the x-axis unit
vector.
• k (k): Represents the unit
vector in the z-direction (out • k × i = j: The cross product of
of the plane, towards you). the z-axis and x-axis unit
vectors gives the y-axis unit
SOLVING
ACTIVITY