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
torque = acting arm length x force perpendicular to that radial arm.
When pedaling a bicycle, the 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. This can be explained by the principles of force and leverage.
Torque is the rotational force applied to an object. In the case of a bicycle, the torque is generated when you push down on the pedal, causing the crank arm to rotate.
To understand why maximum torque is produced when the pedal sprocket arms are horizontal, we need to consider the relationship between force and leverage. Leverage refers to the length of the lever arm from the pivot point to the point where the force is applied.
When the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position, the lever arm from the pivot point (the center of the pedal axle) to the point where force is applied (your foot) is at its maximum. This means that the force you apply to the pedal is applied at a greater distance from the pivot point.
According to the principle of leverage, the longer the lever arm, the greater the torque produced for a given force. Therefore, when the lever arm is at its maximum length in the horizontal position, the force you apply to the pedal generates the maximum torque.
On the other hand, when the pedal sprocket arms are in the vertical position, the lever arm becomes very short, almost zero. In this position, the force you apply to the pedal is applied very close to the pivot point. As per the principle of leverage, a shorter lever arm results in less torque for a given force. Hence, no torque is produced when the sprocket arms are in the vertical position.
In summary, the maximum torque is produced when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position because the longer lever arm from the pivot point to the point where force is applied allows for a greater torque for a given force. Conversely, when the sprocket arms are in the vertical position, the lever arm becomes extremely short, resulting in no torque production.
When you pedal a bicycle, the maximum torque is generated when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position, and no torque is produced when they are in the vertical position. This is because of the principle of leverage and the way force is applied in different orientations.
To understand this, let's first review the concept of torque. Torque is a twisting force that causes rotation. In the context of pedaling a bicycle, torque is the force that helps turn the wheels.
When the pedal sprocket arm is in the horizontal position, the force you apply to push down on the pedal is perpendicular to the crank arm. This perpendicular force creates a longer lever arm, which increases the torque produced. The longer the lever arm, the greater the torque generated for a given force applied.
Conversely, when the pedal sprocket arms are in the vertical position, the force you apply to push down is parallel to the crank arm. This means that the force is acting close to the pivot point, resulting in a shorter lever arm. A shorter lever arm means less torque is generated for the same amount of force applied.
To visualize this, imagine holding a wrench perpendicular to a bolt and applying force to it. The longer the handle of the wrench, the easier it will be to loosen the bolt. On the other hand, if you hold the wrench parallel to the bolt, right next to the bolt head, it will be harder to generate enough torque to loosen it.
So, when the pedal sprocket arms are in the horizontal position, you can apply a larger and more effective force at a greater lever arm distance from the rotational axis, resulting in maximum torque. Conversely, when the sprocket arms are in the vertical position, the lever arm is shorter, leading to no or very low torque production.
It's worth noting that even though no torque is produced during the vertical position, this phase is essential for the whole pedaling cycle as it allows the rider to reposition their feet for the next downward pedaling stroke, creating a continuous motion.