Question

The amount of torque which must by generated by the biceps brachii at the elbow in order to maintain the arm in a particular position is 50 Nm. If the biceps attaches to the radius at a perpendicular distance of 3 cm from the joint center at the elbow, how much force must the muscle produce?

Answer 1

To maintain the arm's position with a torque of 50 Nm and a lever arm distance of 3 cm (0.03 m), the biceps brachii muscle must produce a force of 1666.67 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with calculating the force that the biceps brachii must produce to maintain the arm in a certain position, given the torque and lever arm distance. The torque (T) is the product of force (F) and the lever arm distance (r). The torque given is 50 Nm, and the distance is 3 cm (0.03 m).

To find the force that the muscle must produce, we use the formula:

T = F × r,

where:

• T = 50 Nm,
• r = 0.03 m,
• F = ? (force to find).

We rearrange the formula to solve for F:

F = T / r,

Plugging in the values:

F = 50 Nm / 0.03 m

F = 1666.67 N

Therefore, the muscle must produce a force of 1666.67 N to maintain the position of the arm.