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Torque & Rotational Equilibrium
AP Physics 1 · Unit 7 Torque and Rotation
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Learning Objectives
Calculate torque: τ = r × F = rF sinθ
Apply rotational equilibrium: Στ = 0
Determine balance conditions for a beam
Predict tilt direction from net torque sign
Key Equations
τ
= rF sinθ
Equilibrium:
Στ = 0
CW torque
= negative
CCW torque
= positive
Tags
torque
rotational equilibrium
lever arm
beam balance
AP Physics 1
Στ
0 N·m
Status
Balanced ✅
Pivot Position
center
Left Mass
Mass (kg)
3.0
Position (m from pivot)
2.0
Right Mass
Mass (kg)
3.0
Position (m from pivot)
2.0
Torque Breakdown
τ_left (CCW+)
0
τ_right (CW−)
0
Στ (net)
0
Tilt
None
Quick Quiz
A 4 kg mass is 3 m left of the pivot. What mass at 2 m right balances it?
6 kg
4 kg
8 kg
3 kg