Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Newton-meters, also known as joules, are the units used to measure torque or rotational force. It represents the amount of force applied at a distance from a pivot point.
Torque refers to the twisting or turning effect produced by a force acting on an object's rotation. It depends on both the magnitude of the force and its distance from the axis of rotation.
Lever Arm: The lever arm is the perpendicular distance between an axis of rotation and where a force is applied. It determines how much torque can be generated for a given force.