A2L Item 172

• Description: Identify the torque due to two forces about a specified point.
• Goal: Hone the concept of torque
• Source: UMPERG-ctqpe130
• Keywords: Mechanics, Rotational Motion, Torque, Vectors

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The question for students:

Given F₁ = 6N, and F₂ = 8N, what is the total torque about point A?

1. 1.0 N-m, out
2. 0.7 N-m, in
3. 7.0 N-m, out
4. 1.0 N-m, in
5. 6.0 N-m, out
6. None of the above.

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Commentary for teachers:

Answer

(6) Many students use the origin rather than the point A. This provides the opportunity to stress that torque is found with respect to a specified point. Students using the right hand rule incorrectly may answer #2.

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