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A Greek tau, or a capital M in engineering.
Also known as: Torque, Moment of force, Tau in physics, Turning moment
Torque is the rotational equivalent of force, and it is measured in newton metres — the same units as energy, which are deliberately not called joules to keep the two apart. Physics writes it τ; mechanical engineering usually writes M for moment.
Denotes the moment of a force about an axis, the rotational analogue of force.
Contexts: Laboratory
Shares its units with energy but is never expressed in joules, precisely so the two quantities are not confused.
Contexts: Laboratory
Is written τ in physics and M in mechanical engineering, where 'moment' is the usual word.
Contexts: Laboratory
A Greek lowercase tau, a horizontal stroke with a curved descending stroke from its centre.