Torque is a measure of what property in rotating systems?

• A. Rotational speed
• B. Linear distance
• C. Rotational force
• D. Mass

Answer: (C)

Torque measures the turning effect a force has about an axis. It’s the rotational “push” a force can produce, depending on how far from the axis you apply it and the direction of the force. The stronger the force or the farther the force is applied from the pivot, the greater the torque. This relationship is captured by the idea that torque equals the lever arm length times the force (with the angle between them considered), and in rotational dynamics it connects to angular acceleration through τ = I α. That’s why a longer wrench with the same push yields more rotation effort—the force is producing a larger rotational effect. This concept is distinct from rotational speed (how fast something is turning), linear distance (displacement in a straight line), or mass (inertia resisting motion).