Determine Direction of Torque

[tatiana]

When dealing with torque, how can you determine which firection thw force is going, i know its not the same and the original applied force but i don't understand how to tell which direction :(

 

[VanOosten]

with your right hand sweep the motion of the object with the palm moving forwards, your thumb will then be pointing in the direction of the torque.

if this explanation is still confusing google "right hand rule" its hard without a visual =s

 

[donutz610]

Look at the direction in which the arrow of the force is pointing, then swivel the arrow in that direction and that's the general direction. If the arrow is up then the force is going counterclockwise and if it is down then it is going clockwise.

 

[tatiana]

Oh YEAH i remeber the right had rule i didnt think that it applied to torque though, that makes so much sense now haha thank you!

 

[rwisz]

Torque is a measure of rotational force and is influenced by both the magnitude and direction of the applied force. To determine the direction of torque, you must first identify the direction of the applied force and the point of rotation, also known as the pivot point or fulcrum. The direction of torque is perpendicular to both the applied force and the line connecting the pivot point to the point where the force is applied.

To determine the direction of torque, you can use the right-hand rule. This rule states that if you wrap your right hand around the axis of rotation, with your fingers pointing in the direction of the applied force, your thumb will point in the direction of the torque. Another way to visualize this is to imagine a screwdriver being turned in the direction of the applied force – the direction in which the screwdriver rotates is the direction of torque.

In general, if the applied force is clockwise, the direction of torque will be counterclockwise, and vice versa. It is important to note that the direction of torque is always perpendicular to the plane of rotation, regardless of the orientation of the applied force.

In summary, to determine the direction of torque, you must consider the direction of the applied force, the pivot point, and use the right-hand rule or visualize the rotation of a screwdriver. With practice, you will become more familiar with identifying the direction of torque and its relationship to the applied force.