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AS Daily A Level Physics question

2026-04-09 OCR A Mechanics & Materials (M3) OCR-A Module 3.1.1(d) — Moments (turning effect of a force) OCR-A Module 3.1.1(e) — Principle of moments; equilibrium

A mechanic tries to loosen a tight bolt. First they push at right angles on the end of a 0.15 m spanner with a certain steady force. Then they switch to a 0.30 m spanner and push the same way with the same force at its end. What happens to the turning effect about the bolt, and why?

  1. A It stays the same because the force is unchanged.
  2. B It increases, but by less than double because the longer tool is heavier.
  3. C It doubles because the distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force is doubled. (correct)
  4. D It more than doubles because both force and distance increase.

Answer

The correct answer is C.

Correct: C — It doubles because the distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force is doubled. A The moment depends on both the force and its perpendicular distance from the pivot, not force alone. B The tool’s mass is irrelevant to the moment about the bolt here; with the same perpendicular force at twice the distance, the moment doubles. C This is correct since the turning effect is proportional to perpendicular distance for the same applied force. D The force does not increase; only the distance changes, so the moment does not more than double.