Question

A machinist is using a wrench to loosen a nut. The wrench is 25 cm long and he exerts a force of 20 N at the end of the handle at 30 O with the handle. What torque does the machinist apply about the centre of the nut? What is the maximum torque he could produce with this applied force and how should the force be oriented?

Answer 1

1) Torque = force x perpendicular distance = 17 x 0.25 x sin 37˚ = 2.56 Nm 

2) Max torque= 17 x 0.25 = 4.25 Nm 

3) The force should be perpendicular to the wrench. 

Answer 2

Answer:

a)What torque does the machinist apply about the center of the nut?

              The torque is

                           τ=Fdsinθ

                              =2.26 N⋅m.

 

b) What is the maximum torque he could produce with this applied force and how should the force be oriented?

                             The maximum torque is

                                                     τmax=Fdsin90°

                                                              =17⋅0.25⋅1

                                                               =4.25 N⋅m.

 The force should be applied at 90° to the handle of the wrench.