Torque is defined as
Correct answer: C. the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action
- A. force divided by distance
- B. the scalar product of force and distance
- C. the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action
- D. force multiplied by time
Explanation
Only the perpendicular distance, the moment arm, counts, which is why pushing a door near its hinge is so ineffective. Written as a vector product, torque is r cross F, with magnitude rF sin theta, so a force directed straight at the axis produces no turning effect at all. Its unit is the newton metre, which is not called a joule even though the dimensions match.
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About Vector Product
The vector product, or cross product, gives a vector perpendicular to two multiplying vectors, with magnitude AB sin θ and direction set by the right-hand rule. It covers properties such as anti-commutation, area from cross products, torque and angular momentum. Unlike the dot product, its result is a vector.
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