Final answer:
To produce a large torque, a large lever arm is required. Turning a wrench with a long handle exemplifies how a small force can generate a large torque, while pushing a door near it shows how a large force can produce a small torque.
Step-by-step explanation:
To produce a large torque, you need a large lever arm. Torque (τ) is the product of the force (F) applied and the lever arm (L), or distance from the pivot point where the force is applied: τ = F × L. Applying force perpendicular to the lever arm and at a point as far from the pivot point as possible maximizes the torque.
An example of a small force exerting a large torque is turning a long wrench. The length of the wrench serves as the lever arm, and even a small force can create significant torque at the bolt. Conversely, a large force exerted with a short lever arm, such as pushing on a door near it, results in a small torque, making it difficult to open the door.
Examples of Lever Arms and Torque
In mechanical devices that utilize levers, such as baseball bats and hammers, a large force is exerted on a short effort arm, resulting in a large torque at the hitting end. In contrast, a wheelbarrow is designed with the fulcrum at one end and the load in the middle, demonstrating how changing the position of the fulcrum affects the lever arm and the produced torque.