Torque-Physics Question

Question

Timmy turns a wrench with a length of 3m. He applies a force of 10 N at an angle of 50 degrees to the wrench. Determine the amount of torque, and round your answer to one decimal place.

Answer 1

The force of 10 N at 50 degrees to the wrench is resolved into vertical and horizontal components. The vertical component is perpendicular to the wrench horizontal axis, and the horizontal component acts along the wrench axis. Thus, the horizontal component does not produce torque because the line of action of force passes through the point of rotation. Only the vertical component produces a torque, T = Fy d

Fy = -10 sin 50 = -7.66 N, and torque T = -7.66 N ( 3m) = -22.98 N.m = -23 N.m, The negative sign indicates clockwise rotation assuming that the force is vertically down and the bolt being turned is to the left of the wrench handle.