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+--- Thread: Torque — Why Levers Multiply Force (/showthread.php?tid=430)
Torque — Why Levers Multiply Force - Leejohnston - 01-08-2026
## Torque — Why Levers Multiply Force
### 1. The Equation
Torque = Force × Distance
τ = F × r
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### 2. What Each Symbol Means
- τ = torque
- F = applied force
- r = distance from pivot
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### 3. What the Equation Is Telling Us
Force applied farther from a pivot produces **more rotational effect**.
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### 4. Where It Comes From (Intuition)
A longer lever arm gives force more leverage.
That’s why long wrenches loosen tight bolts.
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### 5. Worked Example
If:
- Force = 50 N
- Distance = 0.4 m
Torque = 20 N·m
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### 6. Real-World Applications
- Door handles
- Seesaws
- Engine crankshafts
- Human joints
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### 7. Common Misconceptions
- Bigger force always wins → false
- Torque equals force → false
- Rotation needs constant force → false
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### Try It Yourself
Why are door handles placed far from hinges?