Physics

Problem

A uniform metre stick is pivoted at the

20\,\text{cm}

mark. Two vertical downward forces act:

F_1=5\,\text N

at the

0\,\text{cm}

mark and

F_2=8\,\text N

at the

55\,\text{cm}

mark. Taking counter-clockwise torque about the pivot as positive, which of the following gives the magnitude and sign of the net torque? a)

+1.8\,\text{N m}

(counter-clockwise) b)

-1.0\,\text{N m}

(clockwise) c)

-1.8\,\text{N m}

(clockwise) d)

-3.8\,\text{N m}

(clockwise)