Answer to Question #323305 in Mechanics | Relativity for haz

Question

Why is it easier to twist open the cover of a large mouth jar as compared to one with a smaller cover? Explain.

Answer 1

To open a jar you need to apply certain value of torque to its cover. Torque is

$T=Fl,$

where F - the applied force;

l - the arm of force application.

So, if you need to open the jar with bigger cover, you have bigger arm and, consequently, have to apply smaller force.

In the case of the jar with smaller cover, you have smaller arm and have to apply bigger force.