What is the term for a force applied at a distance from a fulcrum?

The term for a force applied at a distance from a fulcrum is commonly referred to as a moment. In the context of physics and mechanics, a moment describes the rotational effect produced by a force force applied to a lever arm. The moment is calculated as the product of the force and the distance from the fulcrum (or pivot point) to the line of action of the force.

In practical terms, when you apply a force to the end of a wrench, that force creates a moment around the pivot point where the wrench is held, allowing you to turn a bolt or nut. This concept is crucial for understanding how forces lead to rotation in objects, making it foundational in both aerodynamics and engineering applications.

While the term torque is commonly related to this concept and often used interchangeably, especially in the context of rotational dynamics, the term moment is more general and is specifically about the rotational effect produced by a force. This distinction helps clarify the use of the terms in different scenarios.