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what is meant by torque?

Torque is the turning effect of a force and is defined as under:

The torque produced by a force about the axis of rotation is equal to the product of magnitude of force and the perpendicular distance of the line of action of the force the axis of rotation.

It is denoted by Greek letter  (Tau)

Torque,     = Force × Perpendicular distance of force from axis of rotation.

The perpendicular distance of the line of action of the force from the axis of rotation is called lever arm (or moment arm) of the force.

Torque,    = Force × Lever arm.