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AP Physics 1 5.3: Torque

Describe torque on a rigid system by combining force magnitude, lever arm, point of application, and direction relative to the rotation axis.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Exam points

  • Calculate torque from the applied force and its perpendicular lever arm about a selected axis.

5.3 Torque question 1

[Maximum number: 1]
Figure for Question 5.3 Torque question 1 — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

8 points; suggested time: 15-20 minutes

A mass m is initially resting at the center of a rotating disk with

rotational inertia (1/2)MR2(1 / 2) M R^{2}. The entire system is freely rotating with an

initial angular speed of w0w_{0}. As time goes by, the mass is carefully

moved at a constant speed outward from the center. This is done in

such a way that no torque on the system is introduced.

Figure for Question 5.3 Torque question 1 — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

(b) How can one push the small mass m such that no torque is

induced?

5.3 Torque question 2

[Maximum number: 3]

(12 points, suggested time 25 minutes)
The left end of a uniform beam of mass M and length L is attached to a wall by a hinge, as shown in Figure 1. One end of a string with negligible mass is attached to the right end of the beam. The other end of the string is attached to the wall above the hinge at Point 1. The beam remains horizontal. The hinge exerts a force on the beam of magnitude FHF_{\mathrm{H}}, and the angle between the beam and the string is θ=θ1\theta=\theta_{1}.

The following rectangle represents the beam in Figure 1. On the rectangle, draw and label the forces (not components) exerted on the beam. Draw each force as a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing away from, the point at which the force is exerted.

Figure 2

Figure 2

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