Question

Select the situation for which the torque is the smallest.

a. A 200 kg piece of silver is placed at the end of a 2.5 m tree branch.
b. A 20 kg piece of marble is placed at the end of a 25 m construction crane arm.
c. A 8 kg quartz rock is placed at the end of a 62.5 m thin titanium rod.
d. The torque is the same for two cases.
e. The torque is the same for all cases.

Answer 1

e. The torque is the same for all cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for torque is:

τ = Fr

where,

τ = Torque

F = Force = Weight (in this case) = mg

r = perpendicular distance between force an axis of rotation

Therefore,

τ = mgr

a)

Here,

m = 200 kg

r = 2.5 m

Therefore,

τ = (200 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(2.5 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

b)

Here,

m = 20 kg

r = 25 m

Therefore,

τ = (20 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(25 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

c)

Here,

m = 8 kg

r = 62.5 m

Therefore,

τ = (8 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(62.5 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

Hence, the correct answer will be:

e. The torque is the same for all cases.