Question Detail
Question
In the general case, when a force F acts at an angle θ relative to the position vector r from the pivot, the magnitude of the torque is given by
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The general formula for torque magnitude is τ = rF sin θ, where θ is the angle between the vectors r and F. This can also be interpreted as the product of the force and the perpendicular component of the lever arm (r sin θ), or the product of the lever arm and the perpendicular component of the force (F sin θ).
Hint
Only the component of force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to torque. The sine function extracts this perpendicular component.