In mechanical engineering, what does the term "torque" refer to?

The term "torque" specifically refers to the measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It quantifies how effectively a force can cause an object to rotate around an axis. Torque is influenced by both the magnitude of the force applied and the distance from the point of application of that force to the axis of rotation, commonly referred to as the moment arm. This relationship is mathematically expressed in the equation:

Torque (τ) = Force (F) × Distance (r)

Where distance is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force.

Understanding torque is crucial in mechanics because it plays a vital role in applications such as turning a bolt, operating levers, or analyzing systems in rotational motion, where the effects of forces cause objects to spin rather than move linearly. This fundamental concept is foundational in various fields within mechanical engineering and physics.