Question Detail
Question
The torque τ produced by a force F acting at a point located by a position vector r from the pivot, with the force perpendicular to r, has a magnitude given by
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Torque is the rotational equivalent of force. For a force applied perpendicular to the lever arm (position vector), the magnitude of the torque is simply the product of the force magnitude and the length of the lever arm: τ = rF.
Hint
When the force is perpendicular, its effectiveness in causing rotation is maximized and is simply the product of the force and the distance from the pivot.