1. What is Torque?

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It represents how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate around an axis. Torque is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the rotational force by multiplying the applied force by the distance from the pivot point and the sine of the angle between the force vector and the lever arm.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Torque calculation is crucial in mechanical engineering, automotive design, robotics, and many other fields where rotational motion and forces are involved. It helps determine the effectiveness of rotational forces and is essential for designing mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N), distance in meters (m), and angle in degrees (0-180). All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0, angle between 0-180 degrees).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why is the angle important in torque calculation?
A: The angle determines how much of the applied force contributes to rotation. Maximum torque occurs when the force is perpendicular to the lever arm (θ = 90°).

Q3: What are common units for torque?
A: Newton-meters (N·m) in the SI system, and pound-feet (lb·ft) or pound-inches (lb·in) in the imperial system.

Q4: How does torque relate to horsepower?
A: Horsepower is a measure of power (work over time), while torque is a measure of rotational force. The relationship is: Power (hp) = Torque (lb·ft) × RPM ÷ 5252.

Q5: What is zero torque condition?
A: Zero torque occurs when the force is applied parallel to the lever arm (θ = 0° or 180°), or when no force is applied, or when the distance from the pivot is zero.