Torque vs Moment- Difference [Explained with Pdf]

Torque vs moment can be differentiated as, the torque is the twisting or rotational force that causes angular acceleration in a rotating object, and the moment is the moment of a force about the specific point that has a tendency to rotate the object.

Torque:

Torque is the moment of force or rotational force that creates angular acceleration into the rotating object.

The torque is a vector quantity that is generally denoted by the symbol ‘𝜏’ or ‘T’.

In the SI system, the torque is measured in N.m and In the FPS system, it is measured in lb.ft.

Mathematically torque can be expressed as,

𝜏 = F x r

Where,
F = Force
r = Radius of rotation

Example:- Torque supplied to the ceiling fan or exhaust fan helps to rotate the blade of the fan.

Moment:

Moment of force is the ability of the linear force to rotate the object about a specific point. But in the case of the moment, the rotational movement of the object is restricted by the rigid support or by another equal and opposite moment.

The moment is generally denoted by the symbol ‘M’ and it is also a vector quantity.

It is generally given by the product of force and the perpendicular distance between the point of rotation and force.

∴ M = F x r

Where,
F = Force
r = Perpendicular distance between the force & point of rotation

The moment has SI unit of N.m and FPS unit of lb.ft.

Example: Load of the door creates a moment of force at the hinges of the door.

Torque vs Moment:

Sr. No.	Torque	Moment
1]	The torque is the moment of force that rotates the object about the origin.	The moment of force is the ability of the linear force to rotate the object but it never creates rotary motion.
2]	It causes the twisting of an object.	It causes bending in objects.
3]	The torque is used in dynamic as well as in static loading.	The moment is the type of static loading.
4]	It is denoted by the symbol ‘𝜏’ or ‘T’.	It is denoted by the letter ‘M’.
5]	The torque creates angular acceleration into the object.	The moment never creates angular acceleration into the object.
6]	The torque is used in the generation of power.	The moment does not help in power generation.
7]	The torque develops shear stresses in the object.	The moment develops shear stresses and normal stresses in the object.
8]	In the case of torque, the resultant of linear forces on an object is zero.	In the case of a moment, the resultant of linear forces may or may not equal to zero.

FAQ’s

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