What is the term for a turning force not applied through the centre of mass?

What is the term for a turning force not applied through the centre of mass?

• A. Torque
• B. Momentum
• C. Friction
• D. Work

Answer: (A)

The term for a turning force not applied through the centre of mass is known as torque. Torque is a measure of the rotational force that results from an applied force acting at a distance from the axis of rotation. When a force is applied off-center, it creates a tendency to rotate an object around that axis, which is quantified as torque. The effectiveness of this force in creating rotation depends not only on how much force is applied but also on the distance from the point of application to the axis of rotation (the lever arm). In contrast, momentum refers to the quantity of motion an object has, which is dependent on its mass and velocity, and is not specifically about rotation. Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact, and work is the transfer of energy when a force is applied over a distance. While all these terms relate to forces and movement, the specific characteristic of causing rotation when applied off-center is uniquely defined as torque.

The term for a turning force not applied through the centre of mass is known as torque. Torque is a measure of the rotational force that results from an applied force acting at a distance from the axis of rotation. When a force is applied off-center, it creates a tendency to rotate an object around that axis, which is quantified as torque. The effectiveness of this force in creating rotation depends not only on how much force is applied but also on the distance from the point of application to the axis of rotation (the lever arm).

In contrast, momentum refers to the quantity of motion an object has, which is dependent on its mass and velocity, and is not specifically about rotation. Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact, and work is the transfer of energy when a force is applied over a distance. While all these terms relate to forces and movement, the specific characteristic of causing rotation when applied off-center is uniquely defined as torque.