| 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. |
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| Wagon | Wheel Structure | Moment of Inertia | Wheel Mass | Wheel Radius |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagon \(A\) | Solid disk | \[\frac{1}{2} M R^2\] | \[ 0.5 \, \text{kg} \] | \[ 0.1 \, \text{m} \] |
| Wagon \(B\) | Solid disk | \[\frac{1}{2} M R^2\] | \[ 0.2 \, \text{kg} \] | \[ 0.1 \, \text{m} \] |
| Wagon \(C\) | Hollow hoop | \[M R^2\] | \[ 0.1 \, \text{kg} \] | \[ 0.1 \, \text{m} \] |
Three wagons have identical total mass (including their wheels) and each has four wheels. However, the wheels on each wagon have different designs with varying mass distributions and radii as shown in a reference chart. When accelerating each wagon from a standstill to \( 10 \) \( \text{m/s} \), which wagon requires the most energy input?
The moment of inertia of a uniform solid sphere (mass \( M \), radius \( R \)) about a diameter is \( \frac{2}{5}MR^2 \). The sphere is placed on an inclined plane (angle \( \theta \)) and released from rest.

A \( 4 \)-\( \text{kg} \) ball and a \( 1 \)-\( \text{kg} \) ball are positioned a distance \( L \) apart on a bar of negligible mass. How far from the \( 4 \)-\( \text{kg} \) mass should the fulcrum be placed to balance the bar?
A man with mass \( m \) is standing on a rotating platform in a science museum. The platform can be approximated as a uniform disk of radius \( R \) that rotates without friction at a constant angular velocity \( \omega \). Two students are discussing what the man should do if he wishes to change the angular velocity of the platform.
Student A says that the man should run towards the center of the platform, because this will decrease the moment of inertia of the man-platform system. Since \( L \propto I \), the angular momentum will decrease proportionately and the platform will slow down.
Student B says that since the platform is rotating counterclockwise, the man should run in a clockwise direction to slow the platform down. His feet will exert a frictional torque on the platform, which will cause an angular acceleration of the man-platform system.
Explain what is correct and incorrect about each students statement if anything.

An object weighing 120 N is set on a rigid beam of negligible mass at a distance of 3 m from a pivot, as shown above. A vertical force is to be applied to the other end of the beam a distance of 4 m from the pivot to keep the beam at rest and horizontal. What is the magnitude F of the force required?
A \(5\)-meter long ladder is leaning against a wall, with the bottom of the ladder \(3\) meters from the wall. The ladder is uniform and has a mass of \(20 \, \text{kg}\). A person of mass \(80 \, \text{kg}\) is standing on the ladder at a distance of \(4\) meters from the bottom of the ladder. What is the force exerted by the wall on the ladder?
A solid sphere is rotating about an axis through its center at a constant rotation rate. Another hollow sphere of the same mass and radius is rotating about its axis through the center at the same rotation rate. Which sphere has a greater rotational kinetic energy?
A grinding wheel is in the form of a uniform solid disk of radius \( 7.00 \) \( \text{cm} \) and mass \( 2.00 \) \( \text{kg} \). It starts from rest and accelerates uniformly under the action of the constant torque of \( 0.600 \) \( \text{N m} \) that the motor exerts on the wheel.
An airliner arrives at the terminal, and the engines are shut off. The rotor of one of the engines has an initial clockwise angular velocity of \( 2000 \) \( \text{rad/s} \). The engine’s rotation slows with an angular acceleration of magnitude \( 80.0 \) \( \text{rad/s}^2 \).
A merry-go-round spins freely when Diego moves quickly to the center along a radius of the merry-go-round. As he does this, it is true to say that
\(\tau_{\text{net},A}=(1-\sqrt2)F\;\text{Nm}\;\text{(clockwise)},\;\tau_{\text{net},B}=0\;\text{Nm},\;\tau_{\text{net},C}=0\;\text{Nm}\)
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| 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 |
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