Knowing What is Torque: Definition and Difference from Power

YOGYAKARTA - Have you ever heard the term torque? This term often appears when discussing vehicle performance, both cars and motorcycles. Although it is often mentioned, not everyone understands what torque is and its functions in depth.

Basically, torque is one of the important aspects that affect the ability of an engine to work. From acceleration, rotational speed, to the ability to pull loads are all affected by torque.

In order to understand it better, let's take a look at the explanation of what torque is in the article below.

What is Torque?

Quoted from Hyundai's official website, in the context of physics, torque can be interpreted as a factor that makes an object able to rotate. Torque can show how much force makes an object rotate. Torque can be measured in Newton meters (NM) and its value depends on the force exerted, as well as the distance between the rotation and the location of the force.

In the automotive world, torque is a quantity to express how much thrust a machine can produce. Even so, torque is not the same as power.

Torque is a car system related to acceleration and speed. While power is the ability of the engine to do work in a certain time related to high speed.

When the process of burning fuel in the engine room takes place, the piston and crankshaft move so as to create a rotation. This rotational force is called torque.

In other words, torque is the force or energy produced by the engine to create rotational motion. This torque force appears from the moment the car is stationary to walking or moving.

The higher the torque value, the easier the vehicle can accelerate. When you see a vehicle running smoothly while pulling a heavy load, this means that the vehicle's engine has a large torque.

Torque vs Power Difference

As explained above, torque is not the same as power. Here are some differences between the two:

Influence on Cars

Torque determines acceleration, while power determines peak speed. The impetus from the engine that makes the car start moving comes from torque, while the maximum speed is determined by power.

How to Calculate

Torque is calculated from the force multiplied by the distance to the shaft. While the power is obtained from the multiplication of torque by rpm. This means that the greater the torque, the greater the power that can be generated.

Unit

Torque uses the unit Newton meter (Nm), while power uses the unit Horsepower (HP) or PS.

Settings on the Vehicle

The torque value can be modified through the gear ratio setting on the gearbox. However, the engine power cannot be manipulated directly because it depends on the capacity and design of the engine.

That's the information about what is torque. Get updates on other featured news only at VOI.ID.