1. What is Torque?

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It's the product of the force applied, the distance from the pivot point (lever arm), and the sine of the angle between the force vector and the lever arm.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (N·m)
• \( F \) — Force applied (N)
• \( r \) — Distance from pivot (m)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force and lever arm (degrees)

Explanation: The torque is maximized when the force is applied perpendicular to the lever arm (θ = 90°). When the force is applied parallel to the lever arm (θ = 0°), no torque is generated.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Torque calculations are essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and physics. They help determine the rotational effect of forces in systems like engines, gears, and levers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N), distance in meters (m), and angle in degrees (0-180). The angle defaults to 90° (perpendicular force) which gives maximum torque.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between torque and force?
A: Force causes linear acceleration, while torque causes angular acceleration (rotation). Torque depends on both the force and where it's applied.

Q2: Why does angle affect torque?
A: Only the perpendicular component of the force contributes to rotation. The sine function accounts for this in the calculation.

Q3: What are common torque units?
A: Newton-meters (N·m) are standard, but pound-feet (lb·ft) are also used, especially in automotive applications.

Q4: How is torque related to power?
A: Power = Torque × Angular velocity. More torque at the same RPM means more power.

Q5: What's a real-world example of torque?
A: When using a wrench, you apply force at a distance from the bolt (lever arm) to create torque that loosens or tightens it.