How Do You Determine the Direction of Torque?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tatiana
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Direction
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the direction of torque in physics, particularly how it relates to the applied force and its orientation. Participants are exploring the concept of torque direction and its determination through various methods.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify how to determine the direction of torque based on the applied force's direction. Some are questioning the relationship between the applied force and the resulting torque direction.

Discussion Status

There are various explanations being offered, including the right-hand rule and visualizing the force's direction. Some participants express confusion while others seem to find clarity in the provided explanations. Multiple interpretations of the right-hand rule's application to torque are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the difficulty of understanding the concept without visual aids, indicating a potential constraint in grasping the topic fully. There is also a reference to external resources for further clarification.

tatiana
Messages
43
Reaction score
1
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 :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
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.
 
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!
 

Similar threads

Calculating Torque on this Square
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Torque on a Pivot Point With Multiple Forces and Different Directions
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
What force causes precession?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
Three equal forces applied to a rectangle, find net torque direction?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
Angular momentum conservation on a merry-go-round
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Where on a rigid body is a resultant force applied?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Force on a rotating wheel/disc
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Frequency & Wavelength of a Vibrating Wire
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Basics of forces/torques and fulcrum
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
The ratio between two horizontal speeds in this pendulum arrangement
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
789