For a pivot or lever, the product of Force multiplied by a perpendicular distance from the point of rotation is defined as what?

The product of force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the point of rotation is defined as the turning moment, also known as torque. This concept is crucial in mechanics, particularly in applications involving levers, pivots, and rotational motion.

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object around a pivot point. The greater the force applied or the longer the distance from the pivot at which the force is applied, the larger the torque produced. This principle is why understanding the relationship between force and distance is fundamental in engineering, as it helps in calculating how effectively a lever can lift or move a load.

In the context of the other options, weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, mass is the quantity of matter within the object, and potential energy refers to the stored energy of an object due to its position or state. While these terms may relate to mechanics and physics, they do not define the specific behavior of force and distance in the context of rotation, which is precisely what turning moment does.