what minimum force must be exerted by the mechanic at the end of a 29 cm-long wrench to loosen the nut? Answer in units of N.

Question

If the torque required to loosen a nut that is holding a flat tire in place on a car has a magnitude of 43 N · m, what minimum force must be exerted by the mechanic at the end of a 29 cm-long wrench to loosen the nut? Answer in units of N.

Answer 1

Hi Christina,

1. Use the definition of torque

τ=F x d (1)

and

2. convert the length of the arm d=29cm into 0.29m

From the torque given τ=43Nm and d=0.29m we solve for the force F:

F=τ/d=τ=(43Nm/0.29m)=

3. Make sure to round the result to two significant digits :

(the result cannot be more exact then the input data)

Hope it helps

Best,

Dr.Ariel B