AP Physics

Unit 6 - Rotational Motion

FRQ
Mathematical
Advanced

Pro

Pro

Educator

Upgrade For More Credits
0

(a) About point A

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.

(b) About point B

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 \(B\).

(c) About point C

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.

Need Help? Ask Phy To Explain

A Major Upgrade To Phy Is Coming Soon — Stay Tuned

Just Drag and Drop!
Quick Actions ?
×

NEW UBQ QUIZ LAB

100s of AP aligned questions and quizzes to help you get a 5 even faster. Full Mock exams with Auto Grading and Adaptive explanations. Try out Nerd Notes', state of the art, quiz platform.

Topics in this question

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.

Go Pro to remove ads + unlimited access to our AI learning tools.

\(\tau_{\text{net},A}=(1-\sqrt2)F\;\text{Nm}\;\text{(clockwise)},\;\tau_{\text{net},B}=0\;\text{Nm},\;\tau_{\text{net},C}=0\;\text{Nm}\)

Nerd Notes

Discover the world's best Physics resources

Continue with

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.

Error Report

Sign in before submitting feedback.

KinematicsForces
\(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\)\(F = ma\)
\(v = v_i + at\)\(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\)
\(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\)\(f = \mu N\)
\(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\)\(F_s =-kx\)
\(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\) 
Circular MotionEnergy
\(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\)\(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\)
\(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\)\(PE = mgh\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\)\(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\)
 \(W = Fd \cos\theta\)
MomentumTorque 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 MotionFluids
\(F = -kx\)\(P = \frac{F}{A}\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\)\(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\)\(Q = Av\)
\(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\)\(F_b = \rho V g\)
\(a = -\omega^2 x\)\(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\)
ConstantDescription
[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
VariableSI 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]
VariableDerived 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. 

  1. Start with the given measurement: [katex]\text{5 km}[/katex]

  2. 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]

  3. 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]

  4. 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]

Nano-

n

[katex]10^{-9}[/katex]

Micro-

µ

[katex]10^{-6}[/katex]

Milli-

m

[katex]10^{-3}[/katex]

Centi-

c

[katex]10^{-2}[/katex]

Deci-

d

[katex]10^{-1}[/katex]

(Base unit)

[katex]10^{0}[/katex]

Deca- or Deka-

da

[katex]10^{1}[/katex]

Hecto-

h

[katex]10^{2}[/katex]

Kilo-

k

[katex]10^{3}[/katex]

Mega-

M

[katex]10^{6}[/katex]

Giga-

G

[katex]10^{9}[/katex]

Tera-

T

[katex]10^{12}[/katex]

Sign In to View Your Questions

Share This Question

Enjoying UBQ? Share the 🔗 with friends!

Link Copied!

PRO TIER

One price to unlock most advanced version of Phy across all our tools.

$20

per month

Billed Monthly. Cancel Anytime.

Physics is Hard, But It Does NOT Have to Be

We crafted THE Ultimate A.P Physics 1 Program so you can learn faster and score higher.

Trusted by 10k+ Students

📚 Predict Your AP Physics Exam Score

Try our free calculator to see what you need to get a 5 on the 2026 AP Physics 1 exam.

Feeling uneasy about your next physics test? We'll boost your grade in 3 lessons or less—guaranteed

We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse on Nerd Notes, you accept the use of cookies as outlined in our privacy policy.