| Derivation or Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| \[\text{Given points: }A=(0,0),\;F_1\text{ at }(0,-2),\;F_2\text{ at }(2,-2),\;F_3\text{ at }(3,-1)\] | Set the pivot at \(A\) and list each force’s application point. |
| \[\text{Let each force magnitude be }F\] | All three forces have equal magnitude \(F\). |
| \[\text{Use }\tau_z = r_x F_y – r_y F_x\] | In 2D, the torque about the pivot (out of page \(z\)-component) is given by \(\tau_z\). Positive corresponds to counterclockwise (CCW). |
| \[\vec r_1=(0,-2)-(0,0)=(0,-2)\] | Position vector from \(A\) to where \(F_1\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_1=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | “SW at \(45^\circ\) to vertical” means left and down with equal components: \(F_x<0,\;F_y<0\), each of magnitude \(F/\sqrt2\). |
| \[\tau_{1A}=r_{1x}F_{1y}-r_{1y}F_{1x}=(0)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-2)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=-\frac{2F}{\sqrt2}=-\sqrt2F\] | Compute torque from \(F_1\) about \(A\). Negative means clockwise (CW). |
| \[\vec r_2=(2,-2)-(0,0)=(2,-2)\] | Position vector from \(A\) to where \(F_2\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_2=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | “NW at \(45^\circ\) to vertical” means left and up with equal components: \(F_x0\). |
| \[\tau_{2A}=r_{2x}F_{2y}-r_{2y}F_{2x}=2\left(\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-2)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=\frac{2F}{\sqrt2}-\frac{2F}{\sqrt2}=0\] | Torque from \(F_2\) cancels because the moment from its vertical component is canceled by the moment from its horizontal component about \(A\). |
| \[\vec r_3=(3,-1)-(0,0)=(3,-1)\] | Position vector from \(A\) to where \(F_3\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_3=(F,0)\] | \(F_3\) acts horizontally east: \(F_x=F,\;F_y=0\). |
| \[\tau_{3A}=r_{3x}F_{3y}-r_{3y}F_{3x}=3(0)-(-1)(F)=F\] | The line of action is above/below pivot by \(1\,\text{m}\) (since \(r_y=-1\)), producing a CCW (positive) torque. |
| \[\tau_{\text{net},A}=\tau_{1A}+\tau_{2A}+\tau_{3A}=-\sqrt2F+0+F=(1-\sqrt2)F\] | Sum the three torques about \(A\). |
| \[\boxed{\tau_{\text{net},A}=(1-\sqrt2)F\;\text{Nm}\;<0\;\Rightarrow\;\text{CW}}\] | Since \(\sqrt2\approx1.414\), \((1-\sqrt2)F<0\), so the net torque about \(A\) is clockwise. |
| Derivation or Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| \[B=(0,-1)\] | Set the pivot at \(B\). |
| \[\tau_z = r_x F_y – r_y F_x\] | Same torque relation about the new pivot. |
| \[\vec r_1=(0,-2)-(0,-1)=(0,-1)\] | Position vector from \(B\) to where \(F_1\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_1=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | Same force components as before. |
| \[\tau_{1B}=0\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-1)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\] | Torque from \(F_1\) about \(B\) is negative (CW). |
| \[\vec r_2=(2,-2)-(0,-1)=(2,-1)\] | Position vector from \(B\) to where \(F_2\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_2=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | Same \(F_2\) components as before. |
| \[\tau_{2B}=2\left(\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-1)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=\frac{2F}{\sqrt2}-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}=\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\] | Net torque from \(F_2\) about \(B\) is positive (CCW). |
| \[\vec r_3=(3,-1)-(0,-1)=(3,0)\] | Position vector from \(B\) to where \(F_3\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_3=(F,0)\] | Same horizontal force. |
| \[\tau_{3B}=3(0)-0(F)=0\] | Since \(\vec r_3\) is purely horizontal and \(\vec F_3\) is also horizontal, the line of action passes through the pivot height, giving zero moment arm about \(B\). |
| \[\tau_{\text{net},B}=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)+\left(\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)+0=0\] | Sum of torques cancels exactly. |
| \[\boxed{\tau_{\text{net},B}=0\;\text{Nm}\;\Rightarrow\;\text{zero}}\] | Equal and opposite torques from \(F_1\) and \(F_2\) cancel, and \(F_3\) produces no torque about \(B\). |
| Derivation or Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| \[C=(1,-1)\] | Set the pivot at \(C\). |
| \[\tau_z = r_x F_y – r_y F_x\] | Same torque formula. |
| \[\vec r_1=(0,-2)-(1,-1)=(-1,-1)\] | Position vector from \(C\) to where \(F_1\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_1=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | Same \(F_1\) components. |
| \[\tau_{1C}=(-1)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-1)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=\frac{F}{\sqrt2}-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}=0\] | About \(C\), the perpendicular effects of \(F_1\)’s components cancel, giving zero net torque from \(F_1\). |
| \[\vec r_2=(2,-2)-(1,-1)=(1,-1)\] | Position vector from \(C\) to where \(F_2\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_2=\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2},\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)\] | Same \(F_2\) components. |
| \[\tau_{2C}=1\left(\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)-(-1)\left(-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}\right)=\frac{F}{\sqrt2}-\frac{F}{\sqrt2}=0\] | Similarly, \(F_2\)’s component torques cancel about \(C\). |
| \[\vec r_3=(3,-1)-(1,-1)=(2,0)\] | Position vector from \(C\) to where \(F_3\) acts. |
| \[\vec F_3=(F,0)\] | Horizontal eastward force. |
| \[\tau_{3C}=2(0)-0(F)=0\] | \(\vec r_3\) is horizontal and \(\vec F_3\) is horizontal, so there is no moment arm about \(C\). |
| \[\tau_{\text{net},C}=0+0+0=0\] | All three individual torques are zero about \(C\). |
| \[\boxed{\tau_{\text{net},C}=0\;\text{Nm}\;\Rightarrow\;\text{zero}}\] | The lines of action produce no net rotational tendency about \(C\); each force has either zero moment arm or cancels via its components. |
A Major Upgrade To Phy Is Coming Soon — Stay Tuned
We'll help clarify entire units in one hour or less — guaranteed.
A self paced course with videos, problems sets, and everything you need to get a 5. Trusted by over 15k students and over 200 schools.
A windmill blade with a rotational inertia of \( 6.0 \) \( \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \) has an initial angular velocity of \( 8 \) \( \text{rad/s} \) in the clockwise direction. It is then given an angular acceleration of \( 4 \) \( \text{rad/s}^2 \) in the clockwise direction for \( 10 \) seconds. What is the change in rotational kinetic energy of the blade over this time interval?
Two equal-magnitude forces are applied to a door at the doorknob. The first force is applied perpendicular to the door, and the second force is applied at \( 30^\circ \) to the plane of the door. Which force exerts the greater torque about the door hinge?
A turntable rotates through \( 6 \) \( \text{rad} \) in \( 3 \) \( \text{s} \) as it accelerates uniformly from rest. What is its angular acceleration in \( \text{rad/s}^2 \)?
Two uniform solid balls, one of radius \( R \) and mass \( M \), the other of radius \( 2R \) and mass \( 8M \), roll down a high incline. They start together from rest at the top of the incline. Which one will reach the bottom of the incline first?
Four systems are in rotational motion. Which of the following combinations of rotational inertia and angular speed for each of the systems corresponds to the greatest rotational kinetic energy?
| System | Rotational Inertia | Angular Speed |
|---|---|---|
| A | \( I_0 \) | \( \omega_0 \) |
| B | \( I_0 \) | \( 4\, \omega_0 \) |
| C | \( 2 I_0 \) | \( 2\, \omega_0 \) |
| D | \( 6 I_0 \) | \( \omega_0 \) |
Consider an object on a rotating disk at a distance \( r \) from its center, held in place on the disk by static friction. Which of the following statements is not true concerning this object?
Wheels \( A \) and \( B \) are connected by a moving belt and are both free to rotate about their centers. The belt does not slip on the wheels. The radius of Wheel \( B \) is twice the radius of Wheel \( A \). Wheel \( A \) has constant angular speed \( \omega_A \) and Wheel \( B \) has constant angular speed \( \omega_B \). Which of the following correctly relates \( \omega_A \) and \( \omega_B \)?
A miniature, solid globe with mass \( 0.25 \) \( \text{kg} \) and radius \( 0.10 \) \( \text{m} \) is spinning in place about a vertical axis with the equator horizontal, as shown. A point on the globe’s equator, represented by the dot in the figure, has a linear speed of \( 4.0 \) \( \text{m/s} \). The rotational inertia of a solid sphere of mass \( m \) and radius \( r \) is \( \tfrac{2}{5}mr^{2} \). The rotational kinetic energy of the globe is most nearly

The system in the Figure is in equilibrium. A concrete block of mass \(225 \, \text{kg}\) hangs from the end of a uniform strut whose mass is \(45.0 \, \text{kg}\).
\(\tau_{\text{net},A}=(1-\sqrt2)F\;\text{Nm}\;\text{(clockwise)},\;\tau_{\text{net},B}=0\;\text{Nm},\;\tau_{\text{net},C}=0\;\text{Nm}\)
By continuing you (1) agree to our Terms of Use and Terms of Sale and (2) consent to sharing your IP and browser information used by this site’s security protocols as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
| Kinematics | Forces |
|---|---|
| \(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\) | \(F = ma\) |
| \(v = v_i + at\) | \(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\) |
| \(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\) | \(f = \mu N\) |
| \(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\) | \(F_s =-kx\) |
| \(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\) |
| Circular Motion | Energy |
|---|---|
| \(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\) | \(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\) |
| \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\) | \(PE = mgh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\) | \(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\) |
| \(W = Fd \cos\theta\) |
| Momentum | Torque and Rotations |
|---|---|
| \(p = mv\) | \(\tau = r \cdot F \cdot \sin(\theta)\) |
| \(J = \Delta p\) | \(I = \sum mr^2\) |
| \(p_i = p_f\) | \(L = I \cdot \omega\) |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | Fluids |
|---|---|
| \(F = -kx\) | \(P = \frac{F}{A}\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\) | \(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\) | \(Q = Av\) |
| \(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\) | \(F_b = \rho V g\) |
| \(a = -\omega^2 x\) | \(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\) |
| Constant | Description |
|---|---|
| [katex]g[/katex] | Acceleration due to gravity, typically [katex]9.8 , \text{m/s}^2[/katex] on Earth’s surface |
| [katex]G[/katex] | Universal Gravitational Constant, [katex]6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2[/katex] |
| [katex]\mu_k[/katex] and [katex]\mu_s[/katex] | Coefficients of kinetic ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) and static ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) friction, dimensionless. Static friction ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) is usually greater than kinetic friction ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) as it resists the start of motion. |
| [katex]k[/katex] | Spring constant, in [katex]\text{N/m}[/katex] |
| [katex] M_E = 5.972 \times 10^{24} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Earth |
| [katex] M_M = 7.348 \times 10^{22} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Moon |
| [katex] M_M = 1.989 \times 10^{30} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Sun |
| Variable | SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]s[/katex] (Displacement) | [katex]\text{meters (m)}[/katex] |
| [katex]v[/katex] (Velocity) | [katex]\text{meters per second (m/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]a[/katex] (Acceleration) | [katex]\text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]t[/katex] (Time) | [katex]\text{seconds (s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]m[/katex] (Mass) | [katex]\text{kilograms (kg)}[/katex] |
| Variable | Derived SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]F[/katex] (Force) | [katex]\text{newtons (N)}[/katex] |
| [katex]E[/katex], [katex]PE[/katex], [katex]KE[/katex] (Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy) | [katex]\text{joules (J)}[/katex] |
| [katex]P[/katex] (Power) | [katex]\text{watts (W)}[/katex] |
| [katex]p[/katex] (Momentum) | [katex]\text{kilogram meters per second (kgm/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\omega[/katex] (Angular Velocity) | [katex]\text{radians per second (rad/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\tau[/katex] (Torque) | [katex]\text{newton meters (Nm)}[/katex] |
| [katex]I[/katex] (Moment of Inertia) | [katex]\text{kilogram meter squared (kgm}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]f[/katex] (Frequency) | [katex]\text{hertz (Hz)}[/katex] |
Metric Prefixes
Example of using unit analysis: Convert 5 kilometers to millimeters.
Start with the given measurement: [katex]\text{5 km}[/katex]
Use the conversion factors for kilometers to meters and meters to millimeters: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}}[/katex]
Perform the multiplication: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}} = 5 \times 10^3 \times 10^3 \, \text{mm}[/katex]
Simplify to get the final answer: [katex]\boxed{5 \times 10^6 \, \text{mm}}[/katex]
Prefix | Symbol | Power of Ten | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
Pico- | p | [katex]10^{-12}[/katex] | 0.000000000001 |
Nano- | n | [katex]10^{-9}[/katex] | 0.000000001 |
Micro- | µ | [katex]10^{-6}[/katex] | 0.000001 |
Milli- | m | [katex]10^{-3}[/katex] | 0.001 |
Centi- | c | [katex]10^{-2}[/katex] | 0.01 |
Deci- | d | [katex]10^{-1}[/katex] | 0.1 |
(Base unit) | – | [katex]10^{0}[/katex] | 1 |
Deca- or Deka- | da | [katex]10^{1}[/katex] | 10 |
Hecto- | h | [katex]10^{2}[/katex] | 100 |
Kilo- | k | [katex]10^{3}[/katex] | 1,000 |
Mega- | M | [katex]10^{6}[/katex] | 1,000,000 |
Giga- | G | [katex]10^{9}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000 |
Tera- | T | [katex]10^{12}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000,000 |
One price to unlock most advanced version of Phy across all our tools.
per month
Billed Monthly. Cancel Anytime.
We crafted THE Ultimate A.P Physics 1 Program so you can learn faster and score higher.
Try our free calculator to see what you need to get a 5 on the 2026 AP Physics 1 exam.
A quick explanation
Credits are used to grade your FRQs and GQs. Pro users get unlimited credits.
Submitting counts as 1 attempt.
Viewing answers or explanations count as a failed attempts.
Phy gives partial credit if needed
MCQs and GQs are are 1 point each. FRQs will state points for each part.
Phy customizes problem explanations based on what you struggle with. Just hit the explanation button to see.
Understand you mistakes quicker.
Phy automatically provides feedback so you can improve your responses.
10 Free Credits To Get You Started
By continuing you agree to nerd-notes.com Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and our usage of user data.
Feeling uneasy about your next physics test? We'll boost your grade in 3 lessons or less—guaranteed
NEW! PHY AI accurately solves all questions
🔥 Get up to 30% off Elite Physics Tutoring
🧠 NEW! Learn Physics From Scratch Self Paced Course
🎯 Need exam style practice questions?