When we studied the concept of work, we learned that work = force x distance. Now we learn that torque = force x distance. What's different about these two definitions?A) For work, distance and force are in the same direction; for torque they are perpendicular to each other.B) For work, the force must be against gravity, while for torque, not so.C) The units of distance are different for work and torque.D) Actually the two definitions are the same. Only the applications of them differ.E) Work is measured in joules, and torque is measured in pseudo-joules.

Question

When we studied the concept of work, we learned that work = force x distance. Now we learn that torque = force x distance. What's different about these two definitions?A) For work, distance and force are in the same direction; for torque they are perpendicular to each other.B) For work, the force must be against gravity, while for torque, not so.C) The units of distance are different for work and torque.D) Actually the two definitions are the same. Only the applications of them differ.E) Work is measured in joules, and torque is measured in pseudo-joules.

Answer 1

this is because of the directions of force and distance in work they act towards the same direction

Answer 2

To determine the difference between the two definitions, let's break down each option:

A) For work, distance and force are in the same direction; for torque, they are perpendicular to each other.
This option is correct. In the definition of work, the force and the displacement are in the same direction. However, in the definition of torque, the force is applied perpendicular to the distance (or lever arm).

B) For work, the force must be against gravity, while for torque, not so.
This option is incorrect. The force does not need to be against gravity for the definition of work or torque. Both concepts can be applied in various scenarios and not limited to the force being against gravity.

C) The units of distance are different for work and torque.
This option is incorrect. Both work and torque are measured using the same unit for distance, typically meters (m).

D) Actually, the two definitions are the same. Only the applications of them differ.
This option is incorrect. While work and torque may have some similarities, they have distinct definitions and applications. Work is related to the transfer of energy, while torque is related to the rotation of an object.

E) Work is measured in joules, and torque is measured in pseudo-joules.
This option is incorrect. Work is indeed measured in joules (J), which is the SI unit for energy. Torque, on the other hand, is measured in newton-meters (N·m) or foot-pounds (ft·lb), depending on the unit system being used.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A) For work, distance and force are in the same direction; for torque, they are perpendicular to each other.