Differentiate between torque and force.

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis, while force is a push or pull on an object.

Torque and force are both fundamental concepts in physics, but they describe different phenomena. Force is a vector quantity that describes the push or pull on an object. It is measured in newtons (N) and has both magnitude and direction. Force can cause an object to move or change its motion, according to Newton's second law of motion. The effect of a force on an object depends on its mass and the acceleration caused by the force.

On the other hand, torque, also known as moment of force, is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is also a vector quantity and is measured in newton-meters (N.m). Torque depends on three factors: the magnitude of the force, the distance between the axis and the point of application of the force, and the angle between the force vector and the lever arm. The effect of torque is to produce rotational motion.

While force is involved in linear motion, torque is associated with rotational motion. For example, when you push a door open, you are applying a force to the door. However, the door rotates about its hinges due to the torque you apply. The further from the hinge you apply the force, the less force you need to apply to achieve the same effect, demonstrating the distance factor in torque.

In summary, while both force and torque involve a push or pull action, they are applied in different contexts. Force is involved in changing the linear motion of an object, while torque is involved in changing the rotational motion of an object. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial in the study of physics, as they underpin many of the principles and laws that describe how objects move and interact.