In rotational equilibrium, what does tau_net = 0 imply?

In rotational equilibrium, what does tau_net = 0 imply?

• A. tau_clockwise = tau_counterclockwise
• B. omega = 0
• C. I remains constant
• D. L remains constant

Answer: (A)

Net torque being zero means the torques around the chosen axis cancel each other out. This makes the angular acceleration zero, so the rotation rate isn’t speeding up or slowing down. In other words, the torques producing rotation in one direction balance those in the opposite direction. That’s why the best description is that clockwise torques equal counterclockwise torques. The other statements aren’t guaranteed: the object can be rotating at a constant nonzero rate and still have tau_net = 0, and the moment of inertia is a property of the body’s mass distribution that isn’t dictated by the net torque alone. Angular momentum would remain constant only if both its factors (I and omega) aren’t changing.

Net torque being zero means the torques around the chosen axis cancel each other out. This makes the angular acceleration zero, so the rotation rate isn’t speeding up or slowing down. In other words, the torques producing rotation in one direction balance those in the opposite direction.

That’s why the best description is that clockwise torques equal counterclockwise torques. The other statements aren’t guaranteed: the object can be rotating at a constant nonzero rate and still have tau_net = 0, and the moment of inertia is a property of the body’s mass distribution that isn’t dictated by the net torque alone. Angular momentum would remain constant only if both its factors (I and omega) aren’t changing.