Snúningskraftum

Snúningskraftum, often translated as torque, is a measure of the twisting force that tends to cause rotation. It is the rotational equivalent of linear force. Just as force causes an object to accelerate linearly, torque causes an object to experience angular acceleration. The magnitude of torque depends on three factors: the magnitude of the applied force, the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied (this distance is called the lever arm), and the angle between the force vector and the lever arm vector. Mathematically, torque is calculated as the cross product of the lever arm vector and the force vector. The standard unit for torque in the International System of Units (SI) is the newton-meter (Nm). Torque is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The direction of the torque vector is typically along the axis of rotation and is determined by the right-hand rule. Examples of torque can be found in everyday situations such as using a wrench to tighten a bolt, pedaling a bicycle, or opening a door. Understanding torque is fundamental in fields like mechanics, engineering, and physics, as it governs the rotational motion of objects.