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Gravitational Torque

 

Gravitational Torque Formula

\( \tau_g \;=\;  m \cdot g \cdot r \cdot  sin(\theta)  \)
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) \(deg\) \(rad\)

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. 

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