Moments, levers and gears

Compare — 4 marks

A mechanic uses two different tools to loosen a stubborn bolt on a car engine. Tool A is a standard spanner with a handle length of 0.25 m. Tool B is an adjustable wrench with a handle length of 0.15 m. Both tools are applied perpendicular to the bolt at the same point, and the mechanic applies the same force of 150 N to each tool.

Calculate the moment produced by each tool when the force is applied. [2 marks]
Compare the effectiveness of the two tools for loosening the bolt. Explain your answer in terms of moments. [2 marks]

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Explain — 3 marks

A gardener uses a spade to dig up soil. The spade has a long handle and a flat blade. When digging, the gardener pushes down on the handle while the blade stays in the soil. The soil acts as a pivot point (fulcrum).

Explain why pushing down on the handle of the spade makes it easier to lift the soil compared to trying to lift the soil with bare hands. [2 marks]
State the name of the turning effect produced when the gardener pushes down on the spade handle. [1 mark]

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Describe — 2 marks

A mechanic uses a crowbar to remove a stuck wheel nut from a car. The crowbar is 0.60 m long and the mechanic applies a downward force of 150 N at the end of the bar. The pivot point (fulcrum) is positioned 0.10 m from the nut.

Describe how the position of the fulcrum affects the mechanical advantage of the crowbar as a lever. [1 mark]
Describe the relationship between the effort arm and the load arm in this scenario, and explain why this arrangement makes it easier to remove the nut. [1 mark]

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Compare — 4 marks

Explain — 3 marks

Describe — 2 marks

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