1. What is Torque (Moment of Force)?

Definition: Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.

Purpose: It's essential in mechanical engineering, physics, and any application involving rotational motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque (Newton meters)
• \( F \) — Applied force (Newtons)
• \( r \) — Lever arm length (meters)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force and lever arm (degrees)

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

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Proper torque calculation ensures mechanical systems operate efficiently without overloading components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in Newtons, lever arm length in meters, and angle in degrees (default 90°). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When force is parallel to the lever arm, sin(0°) = 0, so no torque is produced.

Q2: What's the unit of torque?
A: The SI unit is Newton-meter (N m), equivalent to Joule but used differently.

Q3: How does lever arm length affect torque?
A: Torque increases linearly with lever arm length - longer levers produce more torque for the same force.

Q4: What's a typical torque value for...
A: Car lug nuts: ~100 N m, Bicycle pedals: ~40 N m, Door knob: ~0.5 N m.

Q5: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, negative torque indicates rotation in the opposite direction (clockwise vs counterclockwise).