What does torque measure in relation to screws?

Torque is a measure of the twisting force that is applied to an object, such as a screw. When discussing screws, torque quantifies the force that is exerted to turn the screw, which is essential for achieving the desired clamping force. This force impacts how tightly the screw is fastened and affects the screw's ability to hold materials together securely.

In practical applications, understanding torque is crucial because applying too little torque may result in loose connections, while applying too much can strip threads or damage the materials being joined. Therefore, it’s essential to use the correct torque settings to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the fastening process.

The other options, while related to the concept of using screws, do not accurately capture what torque measures. Speed at which a screw can be tightened, angle of rotation, and weight capacity do not directly relate to the concept of torque, which focuses solely on the applied twisting force.