Final answer:
The sine function relates to the force component perpendicular to the lever arm, which contributes to torque expressed as T = rF sin θ. The cosine function is not directly used to calculate torque.OPTIOB B.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the sine (sin) and cosine (cos) of the torque on a lever, we look at the force components in relation to the lever arm. The correct statement is: B) Sin represents the force component perpendicular to the lever, and cos represents the force parallel to the lever. However, this is only partially accurate as cos is typically not used directly to calculate torque since torque is concerned with the force component that causes rotation, which is the perpendicular component.
The torque is expressed as T = rF sin θ, where r is the lever arm length, F is the applied force, and θ is the angle between the force and the lever arm. The sine function is used to find the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm since it is this component that contributes to the torque.
In terms of physical understanding, applying force perpendicular to the lever maximizes torque because sin(90°) is 1, hence the force applied contributes fully to the torque. If force is applied parallel to the lever arm, there is no rotation, and torque is zero because the perpendicular component of the force is null.