Question

Define torque qualitatively and quantitatively.

Answer 1

The rotational effect of a force is called torque. It is also called as moment of force.

QUANTITATIVELY,

T = F * r * sin(theta)
T = torque
F = linear force
r = distance measured from the axis of rotation to where the linear force is applied
theta = the angle between F and r

Answer 2

When you use a wrench to tighten or loosen a nut on a bolt, you are applying torque. It is measured in units of force times distance.  A force of F newtons pulling on a handle of L meters in length would supply a torque of F L newton-meters. More technically, torque is the vector cross product of force times perpendicular distance from the object, F x r = F r sin @