The turning form of mechanical power that passes through a rotating shaft is called ________.

The turning form of mechanical power that passes through a rotating shaft is defined as torque. Torque is a measure of the rotational force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is crucial in understanding how engines and machinery function, as it directly relates to the effectiveness of transferring power across rotating components.

When a force is applied at a distance from a pivot point, it generates torque, which is calculated as the product of that force and the distance from the pivot point (lever arm). Therefore, the rotational quality of power in machines is quantified in terms of torque, which allows engineers and mechanics to evaluate how much rotational force is available to do work, such as turning wheels or moving mechanical arms.

In contrast, power is a broader concept that refers to the rate at which work is done, while force is a linear quantity and does not account for the distance to a pivot. Speed indicates how fast something is moving but does not provide information about the rotational aspects of mechanical systems. Thus, torque stands out as the specific term that describes the turning aspect of mechanical power in a rotating shaft.