A bicycle mechanic attempts to loosen a stubborn bolt using a straight wrench whose…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · System of Particles and Rotational Motion · System of Particles and Rotational Motion
Problem
A bicycle mechanic attempts to loosen a stubborn bolt using a straight wrench whose handle extends 0.30m from the center of the bolt. The mechanic pulls on the end of the handle with a force of 80N directed 15∘ above the plane of the wrench (measured from the line of the handle).
(a) Determine the magnitude of the component of the applied force that is perpendicular to the wrench handle. Show all work and include appropriate units.
(b) Using your result from part (a), calculate the magnitude of the torque produced about the center of the bolt.
(c) Qualitatively explain how the magnitude of the torque would change if the same 80N force were applied perpendicular to the wrench handle instead of at 15∘. Justify your answer without further calculation.