IB Physics HL A.4.1 Torque Question Bank
Practise IB Physics HL A.4.1 by applying torque concepts to exam-style physics questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Physics HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Physics HL A.4.1 by applying torque concepts to exam-style physics questions.
A student models a rotating dancer using a system that consists of a vertical cylinder, a horizontal rod and two spheres.
The cylinder rotates from rest about the central vertical axis. A rod passes through the cylinder with a sphere on each side of the cylinder. Each sphere can move along the rod. Initially the spheres are close to the cylinder.

A horizontal force of 50 N is applied perpendicular to the rod at a distance of 0.50 m from the central axis. Another horizontal force of 40 N is applied in the opposite direction at a distance of 0.20 m from the central axis. Air resistance is negligible.

Show that the net torque on the system about the central axis is approximately 30 Nm .
ΣΓ=50×0.5+40×0.2
OR
33 «Nm»
Marking guidance:
Accept opposite rotational sign convention