Final answer:
The torque applied to a pulsar is due to the interaction between its magnetic dipole moment and the magnetic field it generates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The torque applied to a pulsar is due to the interaction between its magnetic dipole moment and the magnetic field it generates.
As the pulsar rotates, the misalignment of the magnetic dipole moment with the axis of rotation causes the magnetic field lines to be asymmetrical, resulting in a torque on the pulsar.
This torque is responsible for slowing down the rotation of the pulsar over time.