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In the context of rotational motion, torque acts as the fundamental force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is defined as a measure of the rotational force applied to an object, and it is directly related to the angular acceleration the object experiences.

When a torque is applied, it induces an angular acceleration according to Newton's second law for rotation, which states that the torque acting on an object is equal to the moment of inertia multiplied by the angular acceleration. This means that the greater the torque, the larger the rotational acceleration produced.

Understanding torque is crucial for various applications, such as in engines, machinery, and even in everyday tasks like turning a doorknob. By maximizing torque, one can effectively enhance the rotational acceleration, thereby influencing how quickly and efficiently an object can start to spin or change its rotational velocity.

In contrast, while torque can indeed have secondary effects on speed, direction, or conversions between motion types, its primary and most direct role in rotational motion is to produce rotational acceleration.