Chapter 10, Problem 1PLA

State a definition of torque and give an equation for torque. Define the terms in the equation.

To determine

The description of torque and equation for torque.

Answer to Problem 1PLA

Torque is the tendency of a force to rotate an object and equation for torque is $\tau =F{d}_{\perp }$.

Explanation of Solution

Torque is the measure of the tendency of a force to cause an object to rotate about some axis.

Write the equation for torque

    $\tau =F{d}_{\perp }$

Here, $\tau$ is the torque, $F$ is the magnitude of the force and $d_{\perp }$ is the perpendicular lever arm of the force.

Conclusion:

Thus, torque is the tendency of a force to rotate an object and equation for torque is $\tau =F{d}_{\perp }$.