Chapter 11, Problem 26A

Which is better for prying open a stuck cover from a can of paint—a screwdriver with a thick handle or one with a long handle? Which is better for turning stubborn screws? Explain.

To determine

To identify: Whether a screwdriver with a thick handle or long handle is better for prying open a stuck cover. Also, whether a screwdriver with a thick handle or long handle is better for turning stubborn screws.

Answer to Problem 26A

A long screwdriver is better for prying open a stuck cover and a thick handle screwdriver is better for turning stubborn screws.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Long parts produce larger tangential stress and thick parts provide good strength.

It requires greater tangential force at the corner of the circular top cover of a can paint to open it. So, if lesser force is applied using the long screwdriver, then it will help to pry off the top faster

Similarly, to open or close a stuck part, it requires strong force. Thus, a thick handle screwdriver is better for stubborn screws because more force can be applied to unscrew it.

Conclusion:

Thus, using a screwdriver with a long handle, less force could be used efficiently to open a stuck cover from a can of paint. And, using a screwdriver with a strong handle, the stubborn screw can be unscrewed. Because more force needed to apply.