What Is Torque?
Torque is the measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is the rotational equivalent of linear force, causing angular acceleration. Torque is the tendency of a force to turn or twist an object around its axis of rotation. The point of application’s distance from the axis is termed the moment arm or lever arm.
Types of Torque
- Static Torque:
- Does not produce angular acceleration.
- Example: Pushing a closed door without it rotating.
- Dynamic Torque:
- Produces angular acceleration.
- Example: Drive shaft in a racing car accelerating from the start line.
How Is Torque Calculated?
The magnitude of torque is calculated by determining the lever arm and multiplying it by the applied force. The key components are:
- Lever Arm:
- The perpendicular distance between the point of torque calculation and the point of force application.
- Applied Force:
- The force applied to the object.
The formula for torque is expressed as the product of the applied force and the lever arm.
Understanding that torque depends on the force’s magnitude and the perpendicular distance between the point of torque calculation and the force’s point of application is crucial in torque calculations.