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 (radius), 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 equation:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (N·m)
• \( r \) — Radius or lever arm (m)
• \( F \) — Force applied (N)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force vector and lever arm (degrees)

Explanation: The equation shows that maximum torque occurs when the force is applied perpendicular to the lever arm (θ = 90°).

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Torque calculations are essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and physics to understand rotational systems, engine performance, and mechanical advantage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter radius in meters, force in newtons, and angle in degrees. All values must be positive (radius > 0, force > 0, angle between 0-360).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for torque calculations?
A: The standard SI units are newton-meters (N·m). Ensure your radius is in meters and force is in newtons for correct results.

Q2: Why does angle affect torque?
A: Only the perpendicular component of the force contributes to torque. At 0° or 180°, no torque is generated as the force is directly along the lever arm.

Q3: What's the difference between torque and moment?
A: In physics and engineering, they are often used interchangeably, though moment is a more general term that can include other rotational effects.

Q4: How does increasing the lever arm affect torque?
A: Torque increases linearly with the length of the lever arm, which is why longer wrenches provide more turning power.

Q5: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, torque can be negative indicating clockwise rotation, while positive torque indicates counterclockwise rotation.