Questions: Multiple Choice Question A wheel is free to rotate about a line passing perpendicularly through its center. Only one torque is applied to the wheel. From your point of view (looking along the axis of rotation), the torque causes the wheel to rotate faster in the clockwise direction. What is the direction of the torque exerted on the wheel? Vertically downward Away from you Toward you Vertically upward To your left To your right Need help? Review these concept resources.

Solution Steps

Torque is a vector quantity that causes an object to rotate. The direction of the torque vector is determined by the right-hand rule. When you curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of rotation, your thumb points in the direction of the torque vector.

In this scenario, the wheel rotates faster in the clockwise direction from your point of view. To apply the right-hand rule, curl the fingers of your right hand in the clockwise direction. Your thumb will point in the direction of the torque.

When you curl your fingers in the clockwise direction, your thumb points toward you. This indicates that the direction of the torque is toward you.

Final Answer