What is torque defined as?

Torque is defined as an eccentric force that results in an object rotating. It refers to the rotational effect produced by a force applied at a distance from the axis of rotation. The magnitude of torque depends on the amount of force applied, the distance from the pivot point (or axis of rotation), and the angle at which the force is applied.

This distinction is crucial in understanding how objects rotate and the concept of leverage in physical activities and sports. Torque is a key factor in many physical movements, as it helps explain how athletes generate rotation in their limbs, swings in sports like golf or baseball, and even the performance of gymnastic routines.

Recognizing torque as a rotational force emphasizes its role in mechanics, differentiating it from linear motion, which involves straight-line movement, and from other terms that describe speed or mass, which do not capture the essence of rotational dynamics.