What does torque represent in mechanical systems?

Torque represents the rotational effect of a force about a pivot point. When a force is applied to an object at a distance from a pivot (or fulcrum), it can cause the object to rotate around that pivot. The strength of this rotational effect depends on two key factors: the magnitude of the applied force and the distance from the pivot point to the point where the force is applied (known as the lever arm).

This concept is critical in understanding how various mechanical devices function, such as levers, gears, and rotating machinery. The greater the force applied or the longer the distance from the pivot, the greater the torque, which in turn results in more effective rotation.

The other options do not accurately define torque. The force applied and the total mass of the object relate to linear dynamics rather than rotational dynamics. The speed of an object, while important in the context of motion, does not involve the rotational aspect that torque specifically addresses.