Question

Mechanics sometimes put a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench when trying to remove a very tight bolt. How does this help?

a) Increases torque
b) Decreases torque
c) Alters angular velocity
d) Changes angular momentum

Answer 1

Mechanics use a length of pipe over a wrench handle to increase torque, which makes it easier to loosen tight bolts, though it can be hazardous if the bolt breaks. The correct option in the final answer is a) Increases torque.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mechanics sometimes put a length of pipe over the handle of a wrench to remove a very tight bolt because it increases torque. Torque is the rotational equivalent of force and determines how effectively a force can rotate an object around an axis.

By increasing the lever arm—the distance from the pivot point to the point where force is applied—mechanics can increase the torque without increasing the actual force used.

The longer lever arm provided by the pipe means less force is required from the mechanic to generate the same amount of torque. However, this method can be hazardous as it might exceed the strength limits of the bolt, possibly breaking it.