1. What is Torque?

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is the rotational equivalent of linear force and is calculated as the product of the moment of inertia and angular acceleration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (Newton-meters, N·m)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (kilogram-meter squared, kg·m²)
• \( \alpha \) — Angular acceleration (radians per second squared, rad/s²)

Explanation: The equation shows that torque is directly proportional to both the moment of inertia and the angular acceleration of an object.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Calculating torque is essential in mechanical engineering, physics, and various applications involving rotational motion, such as designing engines, motors, and rotating machinery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the moment of inertia in kg·m² and angular acceleration in rad/s². Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between torque and force?
A: Force causes linear acceleration, while torque causes angular acceleration. Torque is the rotational equivalent of force.

Q2: How is moment of inertia different from mass?
A: Mass is a measure of an object's resistance to linear acceleration, while moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to angular acceleration.

Q3: What are common units for torque?
A: The SI unit for torque is Newton-meter (N·m). Other units include pound-foot (lb·ft) and dyne-centimeter (dyn·cm).

Q4: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, torque can be negative when it acts in the opposite direction of what is considered positive rotation, typically clockwise vs. counterclockwise.

Q5: How does torque relate to power in rotational systems?
A: Power in rotational systems is the product of torque and angular velocity (P = τ × ω), where ω is measured in radians per second.