A force that is applied to a beam along a line that does not extend through the fulcrum is said to produce a torque. A torque, acting by itself, will cause a beam to rotate. But two or more torques exerted on the same beam may or may not balance their effects upon the beam. If the sum of the torques causing a clockwise rotation is equal to the sum or the torques causing a counter-clockwise rotation, then the torques are said to balance each other and they will not cause the beam to rotate. But when not balanced, the combined effect of the torques is to cause the beam to rotate from its otherwise stationary position.
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Torques - Questions 11 Help
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There are four similar versions of this question. Here is one of the versions:
Version 1:
The diagram shows three forces and their point of application upon a beam. Each force will result in a torque.
Are these torques balanced or unbalanced?
Will the combined effect of these torques cause the beam to undergo a rotational acceleration?
Try these links to The Physics Classroom Tutorial for more help with understanding the concept of torque and rotation:
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