JEE MAIN - Physics (2025 - 4th April Morning Shift - No. 8)
Which of the following are correct expression for torque acting on a body?
A. $\vec{\tau}=\vec{r} \times \vec{L}$
B. $\vec{\tau}=\frac{d}{d t}(\vec{r} \times \vec{p})$
C. $\vec{\tau}=\vec{r} \times \frac{d \vec{p}}{d t}$
D. $\vec{\tau}=I \vec{\alpha}$
E. $\vec{\tau}=\vec{r} \times \vec{F}$
( $\vec{r}=$ position vector; $\vec{p}=$ linear momentum; $\vec{L}=$ angular momentum; $\vec{\alpha}=$ angular acceleration; $I=$ moment of inertia; $\vec{F}=$ force; $t=$ time)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Explanation
Let's examine each expression step by step:
$$\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{L}$$
Here, $$\vec{L}$$ is the angular momentum. However, torque is defined as the time derivative of angular momentum:
$$\vec{\tau} = \frac{d\vec{L}}{dt},$$
not as the cross product of the position vector with the angular momentum. In fact, if you write
$$\vec{r} \times \vec{L} = \vec{r} \times (\vec{r} \times \vec{p}),$$
you don't obtain the standard expression for torque. Thus, this expression is not correct.
$$\vec{\tau} = \frac{d}{dt}(\vec{r} \times \vec{p})$$
For a particle, the angular momentum is defined as
$$\vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p}.$$
Taking the time derivative gives
$$\frac{d}{dt}(\vec{r} \times \vec{p}) = \frac{d\vec{r}}{dt} \times \vec{p} + \vec{r} \times \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}.$$
Since $$\frac{d\vec{r}}{dt} = \vec{v}$$ and $$\vec{p} = m\vec{v},$$ the term
$$\vec{v} \times m\vec{v}$$
is zero. This simplifies to
$$\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt},$$
which is a standard expression for torque. So, this expression is correct.
$$\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \frac{d \vec{p}}{d t}$$
This is the standard definition of torque, as $$\frac{d \vec{p}}{d t}$$ is the net force $$\vec{F}.$$ Hence, we can also write
$$\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}.$$
This expression is correct.
$$\vec{\tau} = I \vec{\alpha}$$
This relation applies to rigid bodies rotating about a fixed axis (where the moment of inertia $$I$$ is constant and can be treated as a scalar). It is a common form used in rotational dynamics, although one must be cautious since it is a special case. In the context of this problem, it is acceptable as a correct expression.
$$\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}$$
This is the fundamental definition of torque in physics. It directly relates the force applied to a particle and its lever arm. This expression is clearly correct.
To summarize:
Expression A is not a standard or generally valid expression for torque.
Expressions B, C, D, and E are acceptable under the usual assumptions in mechanics.
Looking at the provided options, the correct answer is:
Option C: B, C, D and E Only.
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