The concept of torque arose from the study of Archimedes of the usage of machines or levers. Torque can be considered a twist for an object around its certain axis or it can be considered a linear force of a push or pull. The definition of torque formula can be defined as the product of force and the magnitude along with its right distance of the action of a force from the axis of rotation. Torque is pseudovector in context to three-dimensional for very small or pointed objects.
Torque
Torque is the calculation of force that can make an object rotate about its axis. In linear kinematics, the work required to accelerate an object is force. The angular acceleration is caused by force known as torque. The torque formula can also be the rotational equivalent of rectilinear or linear force. Axis of rotation is a term where the point of rotation occurs or where the object rotates. Various terminologies are used for torque, such as the moment of force or moment.
Torque is dependent on various things;
It depends on the magnitude
It depends on the distance between the rotation axis and the line of force.
The formula determines the magnitude of Torque;
τ =Nm, where N is the newton or unit of force, m is the metre or unit of distance
Pivot
Pivot adverts to that rotation point in any lever system, which is the central point of that entire lever or rotational system. Let’s take a look at an example of a bicycle. In the bicycle, the main centre point or the hole present in the bike’s centre is the pivot from which the gear starts to rotate.
Momentum Arm
The lever arm is also known as the Momentum arm, defined as the normal or the perpendicular distance measured from the rotational centre component. Torque is always derived from a pivot point or a rotation point, concluding that angular acceleration increases with the increased meaning of torque.
Fulcrum
The resting or supporting point on the lever pivot is known as the fulcrum. In the example of a bicycle, one can easily see the resting or supporting of gears and levers that assist the bike chain in rotating or pivoting.
Non-Concurrent Forces
When several forces present acting on altering points resulting in the lever to cause a turning movement or in simple words, applying the meaning of torque to an object, these are cordless non-concurrent forces.
Concurrent Forces
When there are several forces resulting in passing motion through an ordinary point, it is served by one net force called concurrent force.
Line of Action
Line of action refers to the line represented along with the resultant forces that are most likely to act. In the example of the bicycle, the central point of the interaction of all the forces is the structures of the gears.
Rotational Equilibrium
An object is in rotational equilibrium when it is in the condition where it is neither rotating nor moving and has its linear and angular acceleration zero.
Couple
The couple is a condition in which two forces are equal and act on an object in completely different directions to different points, resulting in a turning effect. These types of forces are called couples.
Types of Torque
Torque can be of two types, namely static or dynamic. In a static torque, there is no production of angular acceleration. Below are some examples of static torque:
- A person applying force on a closed-door is applying a static torque to that door because the door isn’t rotating about its axis on applying force.
- Riding a motorcycle at a constant speed is also an example of static, as no acceleration is produced.
Example of Dynamic Torque
- An example of dynamic torque can be explained as the drive shaft present in a racing car. It starts accelerating from the initial line and produces dynamic torque because it produces acceleration throughout when it is in its initial position to the end of the track.
Formulating Equation of Torque by the example of a Door
If you are very close to the hinge, you have to produce a large force to rotate that door.
Also, it depends on the direction in which the force is registered.
Applications of Torque
If there is a torque on an object, there is a pivot point. Below are mentioned some of the applications of torque:
- Gyroscope
- Flag flying on a yard
- Riding a bicycle
- Wrenches and seesaws
- Pendulum
Conclusion
Torque is the measurement of the forces that make an object rotate about its axis. In linear kinematics, the work done for an object to accelerate is known as force. Angular acceleration is caused by torque. Torque is also known as the rotational equivalent of linear force. The point at which the rotation takes place is known as the axis of rotation. Torque can be of two types, static or dynamic.
The torque converter is very useful as it is used to see the variations in the value of torque in the different measurement systems.