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Newton meter

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

In physics, a Newton meter (Nm) is the unit of torque. Torque is the rotational equivalent of force. It is the turning effect produced by a force acting on an object. Torque is measured by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance between the point of application of the force and the axis of rotation.

Mathematically, torque can be expressed as:

  • τ = F * r
  • where:
  • τ is the torque in Newton meters
  • F is the force in Newtons
  • r is the distance between the point of application of the force and the axis of rotation in meters

For example, if you apply a force of 1 Newton to a wrench that is 1 meter long, the torque applied to the wrench is 1 Newton meter.

Newton meters are used to measure the torque of motors, engines, and other machines. They are also used to measure the torque of the human body, such as the torque generated by a tennis player's serve.

How can the word be used?

The word "Newton meter" is related to the words "new" and "meter.".

Newton meter

Different forms of the word

Noun: A unit of torque in the International System of Units (SI).

Adjective: Relating to Newton metres or torque.

Etymology

The word "Newton meter" is a compound word that is made up of the words "Newton" and "meter." The word "Newton" refers to the unit of force, and the word "meter" refers to the unit of length.

The word "Newton meter" is used to measure torque, which is the rotational equivalent of force. Torque is defined as the force applied to an object multiplied by the distance from the point of application of the force to the axis of rotation.

The word "Newton meter" was first used in the 19th century. It is named after Isaac Newton, who is considered the father of classical mechanics.

Question

What is a Newton meter?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is a Newton meter (Nm) and how is it used to measure energy and work?

Answer:

A Newton meter (Nm), also known as a joule (J), is a unit of measurement used to quantify both energy and work in the field of physics. It represents the amount of energy transferred when a force of one Newton is applied over a distance of one meter. Essentially, it combines the concept of force and displacement to measure the energy transferred or work done.

When a force is applied to move an object through a distance, the work done can be calculated using the formula: Work (Joules) = Force (Newtons) × Distance (Meters). This formula demonstrates how a Newton meter is used to measure work and energy. For example, lifting a weight using a force of 10 N over a distance of 2 meters would require 20 Nm or 20 Joules of energy.

In practical applications, the Newton meter is crucial for understanding the energy transformations that occur in various systems. It's used in fields like engineering, and mechanics, and even in daily activities, such as calculating the energy expenditure while walking or lifting objects. Thus, the Newton meter plays a vital role in quantifying energy transfer and work done across a wide range of contexts.