What is Torque?
Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It's the product of force and the distance from the point of rotation (pivot point). In simple terms, torque tells you how much a force can make something rotate.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the force applied in Newtons. This is the amount of push or pull applied to the object.
- Enter the distance from the pivot point in meters. This is the distance from the point where the force is applied to the axis of rotation.
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the torque.
- The result will be displayed in Newton-meters (Nm).
Practical Applications
Understanding torque is essential in many fields:
- Automotive Engineering: Torque determines how quickly a car can accelerate.
- Mechanical Systems: Used to design gears, levers, and other mechanical advantage systems.
- Construction: Essential for calculating the forces on beams and structural components.
- Everyday Life: From opening a jar to using a wrench, torque is at work!
Example Calculation
If you apply a force of 50 Newtons at a distance of 0.3 meters from the pivot point:
τ = 50 N × 0.3 m = 15 Nm
This means you're creating a rotational force of 15 Newton-meters.