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Torque


As a consequence of the previous observation, we conclude that for the acceleration of rotation not only the intensity of the force F is of importance, but also the position r where the force is applied. For that reason, one defines for rotation a new quantity, the torque τ, which is given by

τ = r × F

It can be shown that the acceleration of ω is given by

I dω/dt = τ

thereby assuming that the moment of inertia does not vary with time.


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