Moment and Torque Vectors

A force applied to an object can translate, rotate, and/or deform the object. The effect of a force on the object to which it is applied depends on how the force is applied and how the object is supported. For example, when pulled, an open door will swing about the edge along which it is hinged to the door frame (Fig. 3.1). What causes the door to swing is the torque generated by the applied force about an axis that passes through the hinges of the door. If one stands on the free end of a diving board, the board will bend (Fig. 3.2). What bends the board is the moment of the body weight about the fixed end of the board.