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If the maximum force the biceps muscle can exert is 1000 N, can we pick up an object that weighs 1000 N?

a) Yes, effortlessly.
b) No, it exceeds the muscle's capacity.
c) It depends on the object's shape.
d) Only with the help of additional muscles.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

No, we cannot pick up an object that weighs 1000 N with a biceps muscle that can exert a maximum force of 1000 N due to the principles of torque and lever mechanics.

The Correct option is; b) No, it exceeds the muscle's capacity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks if an individual can pick up an object that weighs 1000 N if the maximum force the biceps muscle can exert is 1000 N. The correct answer involves understanding how forces work within the context of human anatomy and physics, specifically the concept of torque.

The force exerted by the biceps must be greater than the downward force due to the object's weight because of the lever mechanics involved in lifting.

The forearm acts as a lever arm with the elbow as the pivot. Applying torque principles, the distance from the muscle to the pivot (elbow) is shorter than the distance from the hand holding the object to the elbow. Therefore, to create an equal amount of torque to lift the object, the biceps must exert a force greater than the weight of the object.

Additionally, other factors like the angle between the forearm and upper arm, the length of the muscle during the contraction, and whether additional muscles are recruited to aid in lifting, will further impact the potential to lift the object.

This analysis clearly indicates that lifting an object weighing 1000 N with a biceps that can exert a force of up to 1000 N is not possible without overexerting the muscle.

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