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Rotational Torque Calculator

Rotational Torque Formula:

\[ \tau = I \times \alpha \]

kg m²
rad/s²

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1. What is Rotational Torque?

Rotational torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is the rotational equivalent of linear force and is calculated as the product of moment of inertia and angular acceleration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the rotational torque formula:

\[ \tau = I \times \alpha \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula shows that torque is directly proportional to both the moment of inertia and the angular acceleration of the rotating object.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Accurate torque calculation is essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, robotics, and physics applications to determine the rotational force required for various mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter moment of inertia in kg m² and angular acceleration in rad/s². Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between torque and moment?
A: While often used interchangeably, torque specifically refers to rotational force, while moment can refer to various types of turning effects.

Q2: How does moment of inertia affect torque?
A: Higher moment of inertia requires more torque to achieve the same angular acceleration, as it represents resistance to rotational motion.

Q3: What are typical units for torque?
A: Torque is commonly measured in Newton meters (N m) in the SI system, or pound-feet (lb-ft) in imperial units.

Q4: Can torque be negative?
A: Yes, torque can be negative when it acts in the opposite direction to the chosen positive rotation direction.

Q5: How is torque related to power in rotational systems?
A: Power in rotational systems is the product of torque and angular velocity (P = τ × ω).

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