If the torque required to loosen a nut that
is holding a flat tire in place on a car has a
magnitude of 44 N · m, what minimum force
must be exerted by the mechanic at the end
of a 20 cm-long wrench to loosen the nut?
Answer in units of N
F * 0.20 m > 44 N m
Solve the inequality for F.
F > ____ N, the minimum value to loosen the nut
To find the minimum force required to loosen the nut, we can use the torque equation:
Torque = Force x Distance
Given:
Torque (τ) = 44 N·m
Distance (d) = 20 cm = 0.20 m (converted to meters)
Rearranging the equation, we can solve for force:
Force (F) = Torque / Distance
Substituting the given values into the equation:
F = 44 N·m / 0.20 m
Calculating this gives the minimum force required to loosen the nut.