Question

Why isit easier yo tear a branch of a tree by pulling from its far end, rather thanclose to the tree?

Answer 1

Because to bend a tree you need to apply a torque .. and torque is equal the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the centre of axis and mass. Thus the more above you go the more distance you cover giving you the more torque thus .. it's relatively easy to bend the branch from top .. rather than going down to its roots