Is torque a vector or a scalar quantity?

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SUMMARY

Torque is definitively classified as a vector quantity due to its inherent directionality. The discussion highlights that while introductory problems may simplify torque calculations to focus on magnitude and orientation (e.g., clockwise versus counterclockwise), the fundamental nature of torque includes both magnitude and direction. Participants emphasize that a scalar quantity lacks direction, reinforcing the distinction between torque and scalars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector and scalar quantities
  • Basic knowledge of physics principles related to torque
  • Familiarity with introductory mechanics problems
  • Concept of directionality in physical quantities
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  • Study the mathematical representation of torque in physics
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  • Explore the differences between vector and scalar quantities in depth
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JayDub
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Is torque a vector or a scalar quantity? Thanks.
 
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It is a vector because it has direction.
 
Thanks, I was thinking that but then again I was thinking of scalar because it seems weird to say 110 T 89 degrees SofW
 
Torque is a vector. But in many introductory problems, the forces all act in a single plane and all that matters is the orientation of the torque (for example: clockwise versus counterclockwise).
 
Yeah, we are doing simple questions such as Tcw = Tccw to find out forces, lengths, angles or masses. So that is also why it was confusing me. Thanks both of you.
 
yeah it is a vector because it has direction. a scaler only has magnitude whilst a vector has magnitude and direction.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
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