1. What is the Torque Equation?

The torque equation calculates the rotational force produced when a force is applied at a distance from a pivot point at an angle. It is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, particularly in mechanics and structural design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque equation:

Where:

• \( T \) — Torque (Nm)
• \( r \) — Radius or lever arm (m)
• \( F \) — Applied force (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force vector and lever arm (degrees)

Explanation: The equation calculates the effective torque by considering the perpendicular component of the force relative to the lever arm.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Accurate torque calculation is crucial for designing mechanical systems, analyzing structural stability, and understanding rotational motion in physics applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter radius in meters, force in newtons, and angle in degrees (0-90°). All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the angle important in torque calculation?
A: The angle determines how much of the applied force contributes to rotational motion. Maximum torque occurs at 90° when the force is perpendicular to the lever arm.

Q2: What happens when the angle is 0 degrees?
A: At 0°, the force is parallel to the lever arm, producing zero torque as sin(0) = 0.

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

Q4: How does torque relate to rotational acceleration?
A: Torque is directly proportional to angular acceleration, similar to how force relates to linear acceleration (τ = Iα, where I is moment of inertia).

Q5: What's the difference between torque and moment?
A: While often used interchangeably, torque specifically refers to rotational force, while moment is a more general term for the turning effect of a force.