Gravitational Torque

Gravitational torque is the rotational force exerted on an object due to the pull of gravity, typically about a pivot point or axis.  It's a concept in rotational dynamics and is particularly relevant when considering objects that are not free-falling but are instead constrained to rotate, such as a pendulum or a beam attached to a hinge.

 

Gravitational Torque Formula
\( \tau_g \;=\;  m \; g \; r \; sin(\theta)  \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( \tau_g \)  (Greek symbol tau) = Gravitational Torque	\(lbf-ft\)	\(N-m\)
\( m \) = Object Mass	\(lbm\)	\(kg\)
\( g \) = Gravitational Acceleration (See Physics Constant)	\(ft \;/\; sec^2\)	\(m \;/\; s^2\)
\( r \) = Radius (Distance from the Axis of Rotation to the Center of Mass of the Object)	\(ft\)	\(m\)
\( \theta \) = Angle (Angle between the Line Connecting the Center of Mass to the Axis of Rotation and the Direction of the Gravitational Force)	\(deg\)	\(rad\)