True or False: Torque is a vector quantity; the direction of the torque matters.

Question

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Restating the question: True or False: Torque is a vector quantity; the direction of the torque matters.

Option 1: True. 
- Torque is defined as the cross product of the position vector r (from the pivot to the point of force application) and the force vector F: τ = r × F. This cross product yields a vector, so torque is a vector quantity in three-dimensional space. 
- The direction of τ is determined by the right-hand rule, meaning it points along an axis perpendicular to the plane formed by r and F, with orientation given by curling the fingers from r to F and noting the thumb’s direction. 
- The statement also aligns with the idea that both magnitude and direction matter for torque; changing either r or F changes τ’s direction and/or magnitude, which affects rotational effect such as causing clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.

Option 2: False. 
- If one claimed torque were not a vector or that its direction does not matter, that would be incorrect because torque has both magnitude and direction, and the direction is essential to predicting rotational behavior. 
- A common misconception is to treat torque as a scalar that only depends on the sizes of r and F, ignoring the angular relationship; this ignores the vector nature introduced by the cross product. 
- Another pitfall is confusing torque with angular impulse or with force alone; while related, torque specifically encodes the rotational tendency with a directional axis, not merely a scalar strength.

In summary, recognizing torque as a vector quantity with a defined direction (via the right-hand rule) correctly captures its role in determining rotational effects, whereas denying its vector nature or the importance of direction would misrepresent the concept.

PS 113L TASK: Pre-Lab Quiz: Torque

True or False: Torque is a vector quantity; the direction of the torque matters.

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PS 113L TASK: Pre-Lab Quiz: Torque

True or False: Torque is a vector quantity; the direction of the torque matters.

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Problem 18a. (2 points) a) With reference ... about point A.

If the weight in a wheelbarrow is 400 lbs and is 15 inches from the center of the wheel, and the handles are 60 inches from the center of the wheel, how much force is required to lift the wheelbarrow?

Choose the answers that best represent appropriate sign and magnitude conventions for finding the torque about a pivot. Select all that you consider to be true.

Choose the answers that best represent appropriate sign and magnitude conventions for finding the torque about a pivot. Select all that you consider to be true.

In reference to the image below, if you applied force on the door at different places on the door, __C __represents the place that would make it easiest (require the least effort force) to open the door. This position has the __longest __ moment arm for the effort.

Torque is force multiplied by __moment arm __. In the diagram below, the line of force that produces torque on the ball is __B __?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

In reference to the image below, if you applied force on the door at different places on the door, C represents the place that would make it easiest (require the least effort force) to open the door. This position has the longest moment arm for the effort.

Torque is force multiplied by moment arm . In the diagram below, the line of force that produces torque on the ball is B ?