A worker must deliver a minimum turning moment of on a bolt
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A worker must deliver a minimum turning moment of 80Nm on a bolt. He can apply a maximum force of 200N on a 0.50m spanner. Owing to surrounding machinery, the line of action of the force can make any angle θ with the spanner only within the range 45∘≤θ≤90∘.
(a) For the force applied at the extreme end of the spanner, determine the smallest angle θ within the allowed range that will just meet the required torque.
(b) If the available angle is fixed at 60∘, calculate the minimum distance from the bolt along the spanner where the worker must apply the 200N force to achieve the same 80Nm torque.
(c) On the basis of your calculations, comment (with quantitative support) on whether adjusting the angle or changing the point of application is the more efficient strategy in this situation.