What is "starting torque"?

Starting torque refers to the initial torque that a motor generates when it first begins to operate, specifically at startup. This torque is crucial in determining whether the motor can begin to turn and overcome the inertia of the load connected to it.

At startup, the motor must produce sufficient torque to initiate movement. This is particularly important in applications where the load is stationary and requires a certain amount of force to start moving. If the starting torque is too low, the motor may fail to start, leading to stalling or inadequate performance.

In contrast, the other interpretations of torque presented in the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of starting torque. The torque produced by the motor at shutdown does not reflect the motor's capability at the beginning of operation. The force acting on the motor's shaft during normal operation lacks the specificity regarding the motor's behavior at startup, and peak torque under full load represents a condition that is quite different from starting conditions, as it refers to operation under maximum load rather than the initiation of motion.