Question

is there a torque acting on it, and if so in what direction?

• A. yes, vertically
• B. yes, horizontally
• C. yes at ${20}^0$ to the horizontal
• D. no

Answer 1

The correct option is B yes, horizontally

Due to the rotation of the turntable, a centrifugal force will act on the lower end of the rod on the left side. A centrifugal force will act on the top end of the rod in the right due to the rotation of the rod.
So, there will act a torque in the horizontal direction $(\overrightarrow{\tau }=\overrightarrow{r}\times \overrightarrow{F_C})$