What term describes a force that makes an object rotate about a point?

The term that describes a force that makes an object rotate about a point is torque. Torque refers to the effectiveness of a force to produce or change rotational motion around an axis or pivot point. It is calculated as the product of the force applied and the distance from the point of rotation (lever arm) at which the force is applied. This relationship explains how different forces can produce varying levels of torque depending on their application point and direction.

While momentum pertains to the extent of motion an object has and incorporates mass and velocity, it does not specifically relate to rotation about a point. Gravity, on the other hand, is a force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth (or any massive body), and while it can contribute to torque if it acts at a distance from a pivot, it is not defined as the force that induces rotation directly. Friction acts as a resisting force between surfaces in contact, helping to prevent or slow down motion but does not inherently cause rotation. Hence, torque is the accurate term to describe the force responsible for rotating an object around a point.