Which term describes the force that causes rotation?

The term that describes the force that causes rotation is torque. Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied around an axis. It takes into account both the magnitude of the force exerted and the distance from the point of rotation, commonly referred to as the moment arm. This means that even a small force can create a large torque if it is applied at a significant distance from the axis of rotation.

For example, when using a wrench to tighten a bolt, the further you grip the wrench from the bolt (increasing the moment arm), the more torque you create, thus enhancing the rotational effect. This is distinct from general force, which does not specifically address rotation, and friction, which pertains to resistance, not the force that induces rotation. Acceleration, while related to the motion of an object, also does not specifically refer to the initiating force behind rotational movement.