If a seesaw has left torque of 16 N·m and right torque of 16 N·m about the pivot, what is the net torque?

If a seesaw has left torque of 16 N·m and right torque of 16 N·m about the pivot, what is the net torque?

• A. 16 N·m
• B. 32 N·m
• C. 0 N·m
• D. -16 N·m

Answer: (C)

Torque is about rotation around the pivot, and its direction matters. Here each side applies 16 N·m in opposite directions, so their effects cancel. When the left-side torque and the right-side torque are equal and opposite, the net torque is zero, meaning there’s no angular acceleration and the seesaw is balanced. In formula form, tau_net is the sum of torques, so 16 N·m plus (-16 N·m) equals 0. Even though torques exist on both sides, the overall rotational tendency is nil.

Torque is about rotation around the pivot, and its direction matters. Here each side applies 16 N·m in opposite directions, so their effects cancel. When the left-side torque and the right-side torque are equal and opposite, the net torque is zero, meaning there’s no angular acceleration and the seesaw is balanced. In formula form, tau_net is the sum of torques, so 16 N·m plus (-16 N·m) equals 0. Even though torques exist on both sides, the overall rotational tendency is nil.