Which two factors are used to measure the turning effect of a torque?

The turning effect of a torque is fundamentally related to two essential factors: the force applied and the distance from the point of rotation, commonly referred to as the lever arm or moment arm. Torque is calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of that force to the axis of rotation. This relationship shows that both the magnitude of the force and how far that force is applied from the pivot point significantly influence the overall torque.

When you apply a larger force or increase the distance at which the force is applied, you enhance the ability of a force to cause rotational motion. This principle is crucial in mechanics, as it allows us to understand how different configurations of forces can either encourage or resist rotation in different systems, such as levers, wheels, and gears.