Questions: 25 of 30 Concepts completed
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 counterclockwise direction. Identify the direction of the torque exerted on the wheel.
Vertically upward
Vertically downward
Away from you
To your right
Toward you
To your left
Need help? Review these concept resources.
Transcript text: 25 of 30 Concepts completed
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 counterclockwise direction. Identify the direction of the torque exerted on the wheel.
Vertically upward
Vertically downward
Away from you
To your right
Toward you
To your left
Need help? Review these concept resources.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understanding Torque and Rotation
Torque (\(\tau\)) is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. The direction of the torque vector is determined by the right-hand rule.
Step 2: Applying the Right-Hand Rule
To apply the right-hand rule, point your right thumb in the direction of the axis of rotation. If the rotation is counterclockwise, your fingers curl in the direction of the rotation.
Step 3: Determining the Direction of the Torque
Since the wheel is rotating counterclockwise when viewed from your perspective, your thumb points away from you when you apply the right-hand rule. This indicates that the torque vector is directed away from you.