Chapter 10, Problem 1DQ

To determine

To explain: Why torque is more important than the actual force applied.

Answer to Problem 1DQ

The same force can produce different torque depending on the point of application of the force. This makes it have some actual importance, when dealing with force intensive works where we can apply minimum force and then obtain maximum torque to get the work done.

Explanation of Solution

Torque is the measure of force that acts on a body and cause it to rotate. The torque results in the rotation of a body. The expression for torque acting on a body is given as $\overrightarrow{\tau }=\overrightarrow{r}\times \overrightarrow{F}$, here, $\overrightarrow{F}$ is the force acting on the body and $\overrightarrow{r}$ is the position vector with respect to the origin.

An important property of torque is that same force acting on a body is producing different torques, since the torques also depends on the position vector with respect to the origin. The same force can produce different torques depending on the point of application. Thus, in case of cylinder head bolts in an automobile engine are tightened, the torque applied is the critical quantity.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the same force can produce different torque depending on the point of application of the force. This makes it have some actual importance, when dealing with force intensive works where we can apply minimum force and then obtain maximum torque to get the work done.