1. What is Moment of Force?

Definition: The moment of force (or torque) is a measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis or pivot.

Purpose: It's crucial in physics and engineering for analyzing rotational systems, from simple levers to complex machinery.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Torque or moment of force (N m)
• \( F \) — Applied force (N)
• \( r \) — Distance from pivot to force (m)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force and lever arm (degrees)

Explanation: The torque depends on the magnitude of force, its distance from the pivot, and the angle at which it's applied.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Understanding torque is essential for designing mechanical systems, analyzing structures, and solving rotational motion problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (default 90° for perpendicular force). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: At 90°, sin(θ) = 1, so torque is simply F × r (maximum torque for given F and r).

Q2: What's the difference between torque and moment?
A: In physics, they're often used interchangeably, though torque specifically refers to rotational force.

Q3: What units are used for torque?
A: The SI unit is newton-meter (N m). Other units include pound-feet (lb-ft) or dyne-centimeter (dyn-cm).

Q4: How does angle affect torque?
A: Torque is maximum at 90° and zero at 0° (force parallel to lever arm).

Q5: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, negative torque indicates clockwise rotation (positive is counter-clockwise by convention).