1. What is Torque?

Definition: Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object around an axis.

Purpose: It helps determine how effectively a force will cause rotation in mechanical systems.

2. How Does the Torque Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (Newton-meters, Nm)
• \( F \) — Force (Newtons, N)
• \( d \) — Distance from pivot (meters, m)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force and lever arm (degrees)

Explanation: The force is multiplied by the lever arm distance and the sine of the angle between them to calculate the effective rotational force.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Proper torque calculation is essential in engineering, automotive applications, and mechanical design to ensure proper functioning and safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in Newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (0-180). The angle defaults to 90° where sin(θ) = 1 for maximum torque.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does angle affect torque?
A: Only the perpendicular component of force creates torque. At 0° or 180°, torque is zero as force is parallel to lever arm.

Q2: What's the unit of torque?
A: Newton-meters (Nm) in the SI system. In imperial units, pound-feet (lb-ft) is commonly used.

Q3: When is torque maximum?
A: When θ = 90° (force perpendicular to lever arm), since sin(90°) = 1.

Q4: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, negative torque indicates clockwise rotation while positive indicates counter-clockwise.

Q5: How does lever arm length affect torque?
A: Longer lever arms create greater torque for the same applied force (τ ∝ d).