Turning effect about an axis
Torque, , describes the turning effect of a force about an axis of rotation.
Here is the applied force and is the perpendicular distance between the axis and the line of action of the force. Torque is measured in .
Single force
The distance in is measured perpendicular to the force's line of action.
Couple
A couple consists of equal, opposite forces. Their resultant force is zero, while their torques act in the same rotational sense.
Symmetrical couple
If each force is a perpendicular distance from the axis, the two moments add:
This arrangement can occur when equal opposite forces are applied on either side of a steering wheel.
Worked example: A tangential force of acts at the rim of a grinding wheel of diameter . Calculate the torque about its centre.
The radius is
so
Exam Tip: Identify the perpendicular distance to the force's line of action. Do not automatically substitute the physical length of a lever or crank.