How do I tell whether a torque is clockwise or counterclockwise?

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To determine whether a torque is clockwise or counterclockwise, observe the direction of the applied force, as it often indicates the rotation direction. If only the torque is known, the corkscrew rule can be applied: point the thumb of your right hand in the torque's direction, and your fingers will curl in the direction of rotation. This method clarifies that torque acts clockwise from a viewpoint aligned with its direction. Understanding these principles is essential for analyzing rotational motion effectively. Proper identification of torque direction is crucial in physics and engineering applications.
ladolce
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Hey guys,

I know how to do torque and forces for an object in equilibrium...but how do I know whether a torque is clockwise or counterclockwise?
 
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Often if you see in which direction the force acts you can find the direction of rotation. If not, and you only have the torque, you can use the corkscrew rule to find the direction of rotation. I.e. point the thumb of your right hand in the direction of the torque and then your fingers curl in the direction of rotation.

So the torque acts in the clockwise direction from a viewpoint that looks in the direction of the torque.
 

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