Torque Calculator: rF sin theta and Lever Arm (embed)

Distance from pivot r (m)Measured from the axis of rotation to where the force is applied.Force F (N)Angle theta (degrees)Angle between the arm and the force. 90 means pushing straight across the arm.

torque (tau)

10 N m

sin(90) = 1: a perpendicular push uses the full distance r, the most effective angle.

Steps

1.lever arm: r_perp = r sin(theta) = 0.4 m x sin(90) = 0.4 m
2.tau = r F sin(theta) = 0.4 m x 25 N x sin(90) = 10 N m
3.same result through the lever arm: tau = F r_perp = 25 N x 0.4 m = 10 N m

PhysicsLearn · Torque Calculator: rF sin theta and Lever Arm, free to use