ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mechanical Comprehension (MC)Easy
A technician is tightening a bolt using a wrench. If the technician applies the same force but uses a wrench with a longer handle, how does this affect the torque applied to the bolt?
- AThe bolt will tighten in the opposite direction.
- BThe torque applied will remain the same.
- CThe torque applied will decrease.
- DThe torque applied will increase.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The torque applied will increase.
Torque is calculated as force multiplied by the lever arm distance. A longer wrench handle increases the lever arm, thus increasing the torque for the same applied force.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; the direction of tightening is determined by the direction of force application, not the handle length.
- B. This is incorrect; changing the lever arm directly affects the torque.
- C. This is incorrect; increasing the lever arm increases torque.
Torque
A twisting force that tends to cause rotation, calculated as the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
- Torque (τ) = Force (F) × Lever Arm (r)
- Units are typically Newton-meters (Nm) or foot-pounds (ft-lb).
- A longer lever arm increases torque for a given force.
Memory trick: Twist Right, Quit Effortlessly, Use a Longer Spanner!