Skip to main content
3 of 3
Use MathJax in body in order to improve readability; fixed typo in grammar.
Vincent Thacker
  • 12.9k
  • 14
  • 41
  • 52

In general, the vector sum of the external torques equals $\mathrm{d}\mathbf{L}/\mathrm{d}t$, the rate of change of the angular momentum vector. If your object is starting at rest, the instantaneous axis of rotation will be in the direction of $\mathrm{d}\mathbf{L}/\mathrm{d}t$. Otherwise, it will be in the direction of $\mathbf{L}$, which may be changing with time. Note: a torque relative to the center of mass is given by $\mathbf{r}\times \mathbf{F}$ (vector product).

R.W. Bird
  • 12.2k
  • 2
  • 9
  • 20