The steering wheel of a certain vehicle has a diameter of 38.9 cm, and it turns a shaft that is 8.3 cm in diameter. If a 85.9 N force is needed to turn the steering wheel, what torque is exerted on the wheel?
To calculate the torque exerted on the steering wheel, we need to use the formula:
Torque = Force * Radius
However, the given measurements are for diameter, not radius. So, we need to convert the diameter to radius by dividing it by 2.
Given:
Diameter of the steering wheel = 38.9 cm
Diameter of the shaft = 8.3 cm
Force required to turn the steering wheel = 85.9 N
First, let's find the radius of the steering wheel:
Radius of the steering wheel = Diameter / 2 = 38.9 cm / 2 = 19.45 cm
Next, let's find the radius of the shaft:
Radius of the shaft = Diameter / 2 = 8.3 cm / 2 = 4.15 cm
Now we can calculate the torque exerted on the wheel:
Torque = Force * Radius
Torque = 85.9 N * 19.45 cm
Torque = 1670.655 N.cm
Therefore, the torque exerted on the wheel is 1670.655 N.cm.