Increasing Torque, Force, and Work: Increasing crank Length (L)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves pulling water from a well using a crank of length L and explores the implications of doubling the crank length on torque, force, and work. The context includes concepts from mechanics related to torque and work in a rotational system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand why doubling the crank length allows for pulling up double the amount of water with the same force. They explore the relationship between torque, force, and distance while questioning the validity of alternative options presented.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a productive discussion, with one member providing a hint related to the forces acting on the system. The clarification about the nature of the crank as a circular pulley introduces additional considerations for the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption regarding the constant velocity of pulling water and the implications of the crank's design on the forces involved. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their reasoning and the validity of alternative answers.

Femme37706
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Homework Statement



You are pulling water with a constant velocity from a well using a crank of length L. If the length of the crank was doubled, you could ...

Homework Equations


Work = Torque*angular distance
Torque = I*angular acceleration
Torque=F*d*sin(angle)
It looks like the force is being applied to the lever at 90 degrees


The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is "pull up double the amount of water with the same force", however I can't work out why this is the correct answer.

Maybe working backwards...
Double the amount of water has double the weight, (force of gravity)
So The torque from the crank wheel would then need to be double (?)
Torque = F*D*sin(90 degrees)
And if D is us doubled, then the same force does twice the Torque.
Is this right?

Also, I couldn't convince myself why these other options were wrong:
Incorrect: pull up the pail with half the number of revolutions
Incorrect: exert double the torque while pulling up the pail with half the work
Incorrect: exert four times the torque while pulling up the pail with the same work
Incorrect: pull up double the amount of water with the same work
Incorrect: pull up the pail with half the work and half the force

Thanks!
 
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Oh, sorry, I should have been more clear. The "crank" is a circular pulley sort of crank that winds up a rope with a bucket attached to the end.
Does this affect your answer?
 
It still has a shaft (that the rope winds round before going down the well).
 

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