when you pedal a bicycle maximum torque is produced when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position, and no torque is produced when they are in the vertical position. explain

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When pedaling a bicycle, the maximum torque is produced when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position due to the application of force in this orientation. To understand why torque is highest at this position and zero when the arms are vertical, we need to take into consideration some fundamentals of torque production and the mechanics of the bicycle.

Torque is defined as a rotational force around an axis or pivot point. In the case of a bicycle, torque is generated by the force exerted on the pedals which is transmitted through the crank arms to the chainrings, and further to the rear wheel to propel the bike forward.

To explain why maximum torque is produced at the horizontal position of the pedal sprocket arms, we need to consider the relative position of the force (your leg muscles pushing on the pedals) and the distance to the axis of rotation (the rotational center of the pedal crank or bottom bracket).

When the pedal sprocket arms are at the horizontal position, the force from your leg muscles is exerted tangentially to the circular path of the pedals. This force is perpendicular to the crank arm and creates a longer lever arm between the axis of rotation and the point of application of force. The longer the lever arm, the greater the torque produced. So, when the force is exerted in this position, it maximizes the lever arm length and consequently maximizes the torque generated.

On the other hand, when the pedal sprocket arms are in the vertical position, the force applied by your leg muscles becomes less effective in generating torque. This is because the force is now aligned with the crank arm, resulting in a shorter lever arm and reduced torque. In fact, when the arms are vertical, the force is aligned with the axis of rotation, resulting in zero torque being produced.

So, to recap, maximum torque is generated when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position because it maximizes the lever arm length between the force applied by your leg muscles and the axis of rotation. This alignment enables the force to create a rotating motion and propel the bicycle forward. Conversely, when the arms are in the vertical position, the force is aligned with the crank arm, leading to a shorter lever arm and no torque generation.