In mechanical terms, torque is best described as which of the following?

• A. A measure of linear speed
• B. A measure of rotational force
• C. A measure of electrical resistance
• D. A measure of heat energy

Answer: (B)

Torque is the turning effect produced by a force applied at a distance from an axis. This is why it’s described as a measure of rotational force: it combines how hard you push with how far from the pivot the push is, and the resulting rotation depends on that lever arm. In mechanics, torque is calculated as the force multiplied by the lever arm (and directed around the axis according to the right-hand rule). This distinguishes it from linear speed (how fast something moves in a straight line), electrical resistance (how much a material resists current), and heat energy (thermal energy).

In practical terms for bus maintenance, applying a force farther from the center of rotation increases torque, making it easier to turn or loosen a fastener with the same effort, or allowing a smaller force to achieve the same turn when the lever arm is longer or a gear setup increases output torque. So the best description is a measure of rotational force.