Question 1

What is torque?

Accepted Answer

Torque (or moment of force) is a measure of the turning force on an object. It depends on three factors: the magnitude of the force, the distance from the pivot point (lever arm), and the angle at which the force is applied. Maximum torque occurs when the force is perpendicular to the lever arm (sin 90° = 1).

Question 2

Why does angle matter for torque?

Accepted Answer

Only the component of force perpendicular to the lever arm produces torque. When you push along the lever arm (0°), no rotation occurs. When you push perpendicular (90°), all the force contributes to rotation. The sin(θ) factor accounts for this geometry.

Question 3

How do I convert N·m to ft·lbs?

Accepted Answer

Multiply Newton-meters by 0.7376 to get foot-pounds. For example, 100 N·m ≈ 73.76 ft·lbs. This conversion is commonly needed when working with automotive torque specifications, which are often given in ft·lbs in the United States.

Question 4

What is the difference between torque and work?

Accepted Answer

Both torque and work have units of force times distance, but they are different concepts. Torque is a rotational force applied at a distance from a pivot (a vector/pseudovector quantity). Work is energy transferred by a force through a displacement (a scalar quantity). Torque can exist without motion, but work requires displacement.

Torque Calculator (τ = rF sinθ)

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