AS Daily A Level Physics question
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?
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.