Wrenches - Physics Demonstrations - Wrenches | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Purpose

A set of wrenches ranging from tiny to a 24-inch behemoth illustrates how lever arm length affects torque ( $\tau = rF\sin\theta$ ). The dramatic size progression makes mechanical advantage viscerally obvious.

Seven wrenches arranged diagonally from smallest to largest on gray surface, including small combination wrenches and progressively larger adjustable wrenches up to a 24-inch model

Figure 1: The progression of wrench sizes illustrates how increasing the lever arm length increases the torque that can be applied for the same applied force, demonstrating mechanical advantage.

Adjustable Wrench (24 in)

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