Not sure how to draw the diagram to this, or quite how to solve b and c: Several math students are taking a break from their studies by visiting a playground. One student pushes the others on a merry-go-round. The diameter of the merry-go-round is 3.0 m, and the student pushes with a force of 50 N.

Question

a. What torque does the student apply? (I think the answer is 141, assuming I used the correct angle, not sure because I can't draw the diagram).
b. What angle would the student need to apply the force to achieve maximum torque?
c. If the student continues to push with a force of 50 N, what maximum torque could be applied?

THANKS!

Answer 1

With the information you have given:
A. 150 Nm assuming that the angle that student pushes is 90 degrees to the merry-go-round.
if the angle is not 90 degrees then the force = 50 N * sin(theta)
b.90 degrees

Answer 2

How did you get 90? I get 70, isn't it 180-110? Oh, my mistake, there was a diagram with an arrow and the arrow as going at an angle of 110 degrees. Sorry!

Answer 3

I am struggling with the same problem can you send me the answers.