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Interactive Torque Diagram

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About This MicroSim

This interactive diagram demonstrates how torque depends on three factors: - Force magnitude (F) - Larger forces create more torque - Distance from pivot (r) - Forces applied farther from the pivot create more torque - Angle (θ) - Forces perpendicular to the lever arm create maximum torque

Key Observations

  1. Maximum torque occurs when θ = 90° (force perpendicular to lever)
  2. Zero torque occurs when θ = 0° or 180° (force along the lever)
  3. Perpendicular distance (r⊥ = r sin θ) determines effective lever arm
  4. Net torque is the sum of all individual torques

Controls

  • Force slider: Adjust the magnitude of the selected force
  • Angle slider: Change the angle between force and lever
  • Position slider: Move the force along the lever
  • F1-F4 buttons: Select which force to adjust
  • Show perpendicular lines: Toggle visualization of effective lever arms

Lesson Plan

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do we push doors near the edge rather than near the hinges?
  2. When is torque zero even though a force is applied?
  3. How does the formula τ = rF sin θ explain these observations?