Solving Torque Problem in Physics

Understanding Torque in Physics

Torque is a rotational force around an axis, often represented as the product of a force and a lever arm. In physics, calculating torque plays a crucial role in various applications, especially when dealing with rotational motion.

Problem Statement

If the torque required to loosen a nut holding a wheel on a car is 48 N · m, what force must be exerted at the end of a 0.23 m lug wrench to loosen the nut when the angle between the force and the wrench is 41◦? Answer in units of N.

Question

If the torque required to loosen the nut is 48 N · m, the lever arm is 0.23 m, and the angle between the force and the wrench is 41 degrees, what force needs to be exerted to loosen the nut?

Answer

Answer: F = 318.1 N
Explanation: As we know that torque to open the nut is given by the formula 𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹 sin 𝜃, and we are given 𝜏 = 48 Nm, r = 0.23 m, and the angle of 41 degrees. By substituting the given values into the formula, we get F = 318.1 N.