What is the definition of torque?

Torque is defined as the turning effect produced by a force applied at a distance from a pivot point or axis of rotation. It is a measure of how effectively a force can cause an object to rotate around an axis. The magnitude of torque depends on the amount of force applied, the distance from the point of application of the force to the pivot (often referred to as the moment arm), and the angle at which the force is applied.

In practical terms, if you consider using a wrench to loosen a bolt, applying a force at the end of the wrench lever arm results in greater torque than if you applied the same force closer to the bolt. The turning effect is what allows objects to rotate, be it a door, a wheel, or any other rotating body. Thus, defining torque as the turning effect of a force encapsulates its fundamental role in rotational dynamics.