Final answer:
Torque depends on the magnitude and direction of the applied force, and the distance (lever arm) from the pivot point to where the force is applied. It is maximized when the force is perpendicular to the lever arm, with the formula T = rF sin(θ).
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Torque in Physics
The factors that contribute to the torque produced by a force on a wrench in relation to a pivot point (like a bolt) are the force's magnitude (F), its direction, and the perpendicular distance from the pivot point to the line of action of the force (lever arm or r). Torque is a measure of the rotational force and is given by the equation T = rF sin(θ), where θ is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm. Essentially, torque is maximized when the force is applied perpendicular to the lever arm, as the sin(θ) component will be at its maximum value of 1 when θ is 90 degrees.
Applying a force in line with the lever arm (either parallel or anti-parallel) will result in no torque because the sin(θ) will be zero at 0 or 180 degrees. The direction of the torque dictates the rotation direction around the pivot point—counterclockwise or clockwise. It's important to note that only the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to the torque.