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. In physics, torque is given by the cross product of the position vector and the force vector.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque equation:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (N·m)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (kg·m²)
• \( \alpha \) — Angular acceleration (rad/s²)

Explanation: The equation shows that torque is directly proportional to both the moment of inertia and the angular acceleration of an object.

3. Importance Of Torque Calculation

Details: Calculating torque is essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and physics to understand rotational motion, design mechanical systems, and analyze the performance of rotating machinery.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter moment of inertia in kg·m² and angular acceleration in rad/s². All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between torque and force?
A: Force causes linear acceleration, while torque causes angular acceleration. Torque is the rotational equivalent of force.

Q2: What are common units for torque?
A: The SI unit is Newton-meter (N·m). Other units include pound-feet (lb·ft) and dyne-centimeter (dyn·cm).

Q3: How does moment of inertia affect torque?
A: Objects with higher moment of inertia require more torque to achieve the same angular acceleration, similar to how heavier objects require more force for linear acceleration.

Q4: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, torque can be negative when it acts in the opposite direction to what is considered positive rotation, typically clockwise vs. counterclockwise.

Q5: How is torque measured in real-world applications?
A: Torque is commonly measured using torque wrenches, dynamometers, or strain gauges in various mechanical and automotive applications.