. A nut is frozen on a shaft and it will take a minimum 190 foot pounds to break it free. How long a cheater (extension) will a 120 pound person need to put on to an adjustable wrench with a 6inch handle?

Question

. A nut is frozen on a shaft and it will take a minimum 190 foot pounds to break it free. How long a cheater (extension)  will a 120 pound person need to put on to an adjustable wrench with a 6inch handle?

MathMate · Answer

Torque = force × lever arm Assuming 190 foot-pounds is in gravitational units (i.e. foot-pound wt), then force = 120 pound-wt lever arm = x feet using the torque formula, 190 foot-pound wt = 120 pound-wt * x feet Solve for x (in feet).