Torque is a measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate. The most common unit of torque in the International System of Units (SI) is the Newton-meter (Nm). This unit reflects the amount of force measured in Newtons applied at a distance measured in meters from the pivot point or axis of rotation.
In addition to Newton-meters, torque is sometimes expressed in other units depending on the context. For example, in the Imperial system, torque can be measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or pound-inches (lb-in). These units indicate the force applied in pounds at a specified distance in feet or inches, respectively.
Understanding the units of torque is important in various fields, such as engineering, automotive, and mechanics, as it helps gauge how effectively an engine or motor will perform in terms of its ability to produce rotational force. Each unit corresponds to a multiplication of force and distance, which reflects how torque impacts an object’s motion.