1. What is Torque?

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Torque is calculated as the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Torque in Newton-meters (Nm)
• \( F \) — Force applied in Newtons (N)
• \( r \) — Radius or moment arm in meters (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the rotational force applied at a distance from the pivot point. The longer the moment arm or the greater the force, the higher the resulting torque.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Accurate torque calculation is essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, construction, and many other fields where rotational forces need to be measured and controlled for proper functioning of systems and safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons (N) and radius in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between torque and force?
A: Force causes linear acceleration, while torque causes rotational acceleration. Torque depends on both the magnitude of force and the distance from the pivot point.

Q2: What are common units for torque?
A: While we use Nm (Newton-meters) in this calculator, torque can also be measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb), inch-pounds (in-lb), or other units depending on the application.

Q3: How does direction affect torque?
A: Torque is a vector quantity with direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation. The right-hand rule is typically used to determine direction: curl your fingers in the direction of rotation, and your thumb points in the torque direction.

Q4: What is the relationship between torque and power?
A: Power is the rate of doing work, while torque is a measure of rotational force. In rotational systems, power equals torque multiplied by angular velocity (P = τ × ω).

Q5: Why is torque important in automotive applications?
A: Torque determines a vehicle's ability to accelerate, tow heavy loads, and climb hills. Higher torque values generally mean better low-end acceleration and pulling power.