Explain the term "torque."

Torque is defined as a measure of rotational force applied to an object, which means it describes how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate around an axis. This concept is essential in mechanical engineering and physics because it helps understand the effectiveness of force application in producing rotational motion.

When a force is applied at a distance from a pivot point or axis, it creates a torque that results in rotational movement. The effectiveness of the torque depends not only on the amount of the force but also on the distance from the point of application to the axis, often referred to as the moment arm. A larger moment arm will result in a greater torque for the same amount of force applied.

This understanding is critical in various applications, from machinery design and automotive engineering to understanding how levers work. Thus, recognizing torque as a rotational force lays the foundation for comprehending more complex mechanical systems and their behavior during operation.