Find the torque of a force $\vec{F} = -3\hat{i} + \hat{j} + 5\hat{k}$ acting at the point $\vec{r} = 7\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + \hat{k}$ (1997)
Solution:
Torque $\vec{\tau} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}$.
Using the determinant method: $\vec{\tau} = \begin{vmatrix} \hat{i} & \hat{j} & \hat{k} \\ 7 & 3 & 1 \\ -3 & 1 & 5 \end{vmatrix}$.
$= \hat{i}(15 - 1) - \hat{j}(35 - (-3)) + \hat{k}(7 - (-9)) = 14\hat{i} - 38\hat{j} + 16\hat{k}$.
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