Torque and Moment Calculator

Force: 100 N, Distance: 0.5 m, Angle: 90° Step 1: sin(90°) = 1 Step 2: τ = 100 × 0.5 × 1 = 50 N·m Step 3: = 5.0997 kgf·m = 36.878 lb·ft

Torque, often referred to as the moment of force, is the rotational equivalent of linear force. While a linear force causes an object to accelerate in a straight line, torque causes an object to rotate or twist around an axis or pivot point. It is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, crucial for understanding how gears work, how levers amplify force, and even how engines generate power. The magnitude of torque depends on three key factors: the amount of force applied, the distance from the pivot point where the force is applied (known as the moment arm), and the angle at which the force acts relative to the moment arm. Only the component of the force perpendicular to the moment arm contributes to rotation, which is why the sine of the angle is included in the calculation. A larger force, a longer moment arm, or a force applied more perpendicularly to the moment arm will result in greater torque.