How is torque defined in relation to applied force?

Torque is defined as the product of the applied force and the distance from the center of rotation, often referred to as the lever arm or moment arm. This definition highlights that torque is not just dependent on the amount of force applied, but also on how far away from the pivot point that force is applied. The further away the force acts from the pivot, the greater the torque it generates.

This relationship is crucial in understanding how different applications of force can produce varying rotational effects around a pivot point. For example, using a longer wrench to turn a bolt allows for greater torque than using a shorter wrench, even if the same amount of force is applied. This concept is fundamental in fields like physics and engineering, where the effectiveness of rotating mechanisms is often analyzed in terms of torque.