Torque

What Is Torque?

Torque is the measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Force is what causes an object to accelerate in linear kinematics. Similarly, torque is what causes an angular acceleration. Hence, torque can be defined as the rotational equivalent of linear force. The straight line about which the object rotates is called the axis of rotation. In physics, torque is simply the tendency of a force to turn or twist. Different terminologies such as moment or moment of force are interchangeably used to describe torque. The distance of the point of application of force from the axis of rotation is sometimes called the moment arm or lever arm.

Types of Torque

Torque can be either static or dynamic. Static torque is a torque that does not produce an angular acceleration. A few examples of static torque are as follows:
• A person pushing a closed-door is applying a static torque because the door isn’t rotating despite the force applied.
• Pedalling a cycle at a constant speed is also an example of static torque as there is no acceleration.

The drive shaft in a racing car accelerating from the start line exhibits dynamic torque because it must be producing an angular acceleration of the wheels, given that the car is accelerating along the track.

To explain torque in detail let us consider the figure.

• We can see that the net force on the body is zero if the magnitude of forces F1 and F2 are equal.
• Hence, the body is in translational equilibrium.
• But it tends to rotate, thus the turning effect produced by force is known as moment of force or torque.

Now we will consider the example of a door and try to formulate the equation for torque.

• If we apply force closer to the hinge, then a larger force is required to rotate the door.
• Also, it depends on the direction in which the force is being applied.
• If it is perpendicular to the line joining the hinge and the point of application of force then a smaller force is required.

How Is Torque Calculated?

A simple way to calculate the magnitude of the torque is to first determine the lever arm and then multiply it times the applied force.

Now, from the above observation, we conclude that the torque produced depends on the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance between the point about which torque is calculated and the point of application of force. So, mathematically torque is represented as:

$\begin{array}{l}\tau =Fr\sin \theta \end{array}$

where r is the length of the lever arm and θ is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm.

Measurement of Torque

The unit of torque is Newton–meter (N-m). The above equation can be represented as the vector product of force and position vector.

$\begin{array}{l}\overrightarrow{\tau }=\overrightarrow{r}\times \overrightarrow{F}\end{array}$

So, as it is a vector product hence torque also must be a vector. Using vector product notations we can find the direction of torque. We will consider an example to see how to calculate torque.

Examples of Torque

Let us consider the situation given below:

In the above diagram:

• F = 5 N
• r = 4 m
• sinθ = 30°

Putting these values we have,

τ = 5 x 4 x sin 30°

τ = 10 N·m

Some of the real-life examples involving torque are that of a see-saw or in automobiles engine. So next time when you go out just notice things that are working on the torque principle. We have just started our journey to learn rotational motion and translational motion. So sit back and enjoy learning with interesting video lessons.

What Is Torque in a Car?

Torque is the expression of a rotational or twisting force. The engines in vehicles rotate about an axis, thus creating torque. It can be viewed as the strength of a vehicle. Torque is what rockets a sports car from 0-60 kmph in seconds. Torque is also what powers big trucks hauling heavy loads into motion.

Applications of Torque

In any object experiencing torque, there is a pivot point. Some applications are provided below:

• Seesaws and Wrenches
• Gyroscopes
• A pendulum or a parachute is applying torque when swinging
• A person riding a bicycle
• Flag flying on a mast