The 22 cm diameter disk in the figure below can rotate on an axle through its center. At the end of this problem, you will calculate the magnitude and direction of the net torque about the axle when F = 22 N. The net torque is just the sum of the individual torques. Depending on how the torque (or the force producing the torque) is applied, the disk rotate (or want to rotate) clockwise, counterclockwise, or not rotate at all. You need to take this direction into account when you add up the torques.

Question

Now calculate the values for the individual torques applied at the different distances from the axis of rotation. Make sure to account for the different directions of rotation that the torques will (or would) cause, and find the magnitude and direction of the net torque

Answer 1

The magnitude of the net torque is 44 Nm and it is clockwise.

The individual torques are:

Torque at a distance of 11 cm from the axis of rotation: 22 Nm clockwise

Torque at a distance of 22 cm from the axis of rotation: 22 Nm counterclockwise

The net torque is the sum of these two torques, which is 44 Nm clockwise.