Interpreting Rotational Motion and Torque Diagrams
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism · Learn by Concept
Help Questions
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism › Interpreting Rotational Motion and Torque Diagrams
A mechanic is using a wrench to loosen and tighten screws on an engine block and wants to increase the amount of torque he puts on the screws to adjust them more easily. Which of the following steps will not help him to do so?
Pulling or pushing at an angle that is less perpendicular to the wrench
Using a longer wrench
Increasing the magnitude of the force he puts on the wrench
Pulling or pushing at an angle that is more perpendicular to the wrench
Using a wrench of a different material
Explanation
Remember the torque equation:
Exerting force on the wrench at an angle less perpendicular to the wrench will reduce 
The other answer options will all increase the torque being applied, making the twisting motion easier.