Torque from a Force at an Angle
Torque from a Force at an Angle
Only the component of a force perpendicular to the lever arm produces torque, so the angle matters.
The torque is T = F·r·sin θ. where F is the force, r the lever-arm length and θ the angle between them.
Inputs
F := 200 N=200 N
r := 0.3 m=300 mm
theta := 1.0472=1.05
Take the perpendicular component times the arm.
T := F·r·sin(theta)=51.96 Nm
Results
Torque is greatest when the force is perpendicular (θ = 90°) and zero when it points along the arm. This is why you push a wrench at right angles.
Assumptions & limitations
- Force and arm in one plane.
- Angle between force and arm.
- Rigid lever.