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Question

Difficulty: EasyWheel and Axle

A technician uses a T-handle socket wrench to tighten a nut. The wide horizontal T-handle functions as the wheel, and the narrow vertical shaft functions as the axle. If the technician turns the T-handle clockwise, what is the direction of the shaft's rotation, and how does the output force at the shaft compare to the effort force applied to the handle?

  1. The shaft rotates clockwise, and the output force is greater than the effort force.Answer
  2. B
    The shaft rotates counterclockwise, and the output force is greater than the effort force.
  3. C
    The shaft rotates clockwise, and the output force is less than the effort force.
  4. D
    The shaft rotates counterclockwise, and the mechanism acts as a first-class lever.

Answer

The shaft rotates clockwise, and the output force is greater than the effort force.
A wheel and axle mechanism consists of two parts that rotate together on the same axis. Therefore, if the wheel (T-handle) is turned clockwise, the axle (shaft) also turns clockwise. Because the input effort is applied to the larger radius of the handle, the mechanism multiplies the force, resulting in a greater output force at the smaller radius of the axle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the direction of rotation for the axle (shaft).
The shaft rotates clockwise, the same as the handle.
In a wheel and axle mechanism, both components are rigidly attached to the same axis and rotate as a single solid unit.
2
Evaluate the force relationship between the input and output.
The output force at the shaft is greater than the effort force applied to the handle.
Applying effort to the component with the larger diameter (the wheel/handle) to drive the component with the smaller diameter (the axle/shaft) creates a mechanical advantage greater than 1, which multiplies the force.

Key Concept

Wheel and Axle Rotational Direction and Mechanical Advantage
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Topics

Wheel and Axle

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