What is Torque? @DebbinkPhysics
What is Torque?  @DebbinkPhysics
Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video introduces the concept of "torque" and shows how it can be calculated in many different situations. The video also shows how to use a simple grip strength challenge to experience torque!

For more of my videos related to rotational motion SEE BELOW…

What is Torque? (15 min): youtu.be/tWyZOgy71IA

Static Equilibrium and Torque Problems (28 min): youtu.be/799PZQbeRgs

How to Find the Rotational Inertia of a System (19 min): youtu.be/XH-h71irxPA
→ This video discusses the concept of rotational inertia. The linked video covers the definition of rotational inertia, how to find it experimentally, how to calculate it from different equations, and include 2 example problems.

Below are also three videos that allow you to investigate the relationship between the torque exerted on a system and the system’s angular acceleration. This is the experiment I use to introduce my students to the concept of rotational inertia. The linked conclusion discussion explains how the concept of rotational inertia is related to the collected data.

For a brief explanation of the lab purpose and procedure watch the first 4 minutes of the conclusion discussion video: youtu.be/Fh84QQIpLEw

Angular Acceleration Lab (Data Set #1): 1kg total mass at a distance of 0.6m from the axis of rotation
youtu.be/u6c29tnQCJo

Angular Acceleration Lab (Data Set #2): 1kg total mass at a distance of 0.3m from the axis of rotation
youtu.be/Gots5_IyliM

Angular Acceleration Lab (Data Set #3): 0.5kg total mass at a distance of 0.6m from the axis of rotation
youtu.be/WGW8SmDZ1q4

Angular Acceleration Conclusion Discussion (25 min): youtu.be/Fh84QQIpLEw

Angular Momentum Introduction (15 min): youtu.be/mZAnKu_i7wY

Translational and Angular Momentum Conservation (10 min): youtu.be/hMB0sbO0Lf4

Orbital Motion (Energy and Angular Momentum) (16 min): youtu.be/GVQLuQSVyBc

Gravitational Potential Energy in Orbits (17 min): youtu.be/o0Fvj6Sf6DU

Work Done on Rotating Systems (5 min): youtu.be/c4np4BLRk7E

Rotational Kinetic Energy (12 min): youtu.be/Cg9mdfPN3UI

Chapters:
0:00 Grip Strength Challenge
0:35 Student Attempts
1:01 Conclusion #1 (Distance Matters)
4:09 Conclusion #2
4:29 Torque Definition
7:30 Conclusion #3 (Torque and Angles)
8:48 Deriving the Torque Equation
11:28 Two Methods for Finding Torque
What is Torque?Horizontal Projectile Example ProblemsHow the Center of Mass of a System MovesExploring Static and Kinetic FrictionAngular Acceleration Lab (Data Set #1) 1.0kg at 0.6mSymbolic Solutions for Accelerating Systems (3-Object Atwood’s Machine)Periodic Motion Lab (Spring-Mass Systems) Spring #1Magnetic Field Strength Lab (Data Set #5) B vs. ICapacitor Lab IntroductionCapacitors in Parallel (0.1 Farads x2)Spring Force Lab (Data Set #4)Standing Waves Introduction
Debbink Physics |

What is Torque?

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER