Finding Torque in a Square: How to Determine the Distance for Calculating Torque

[Redfire66]

Homework Statement

So image we have a square. And the center of mass is, well in the center.
If I choose the pivot to be the bottom left corner, would the distance used to calculate torque be from the bottom left to the center or to the middle on the same axis? I have a picture since it's kind of hard to explain
Technically I'm just asking, according to the picture, would I use R or x as my distance value for torque

Homework Equations

T = Fd

 

[billy_joule]

Torque is the cross product of the displacement vector and the force vector.

So the distance value you want will be some where between zero and 'r'. It depends on the direction of the force.

Draw the direction of the force on your diagram, hopefully which distance value is relevant should become clear..