Calculate the torque given force and lever arm distance.

To calculate torque, multiply the force applied by the distance from the pivot point.

Torque is the measure of the twisting force that causes rotation. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance from the pivot point, also known as the lever arm. The formula for torque is:

Torque = Force x Lever Arm Distance

The unit of torque is Newton-meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft), depending on the unit of force and distance used.

For example, if a force of 50 N is applied at a distance of 0.5 m from the pivot point, the torque can be calculated as:

Torque = 50 N x 0.5 m
Torque = 25 Nm

This means that the twisting force applied is 25 Nm, which can cause rotation around the pivot point.

It is important to note that the direction of the force and the lever arm distance must be perpendicular to each other in order to calculate torque accurately. If the force is applied at an angle to the lever arm, only the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm should be used in the calculation.

In summary, torque can be calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance from the pivot point. This formula is useful in many applications, such as calculating the torque required to turn a bolt or the torque generated by a motor.