If the same force acts on the shaft, what happens to the torque if the force arm is greater?

Torque is a measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate. It is dependent on two main factors: the amount of force applied and the distance from the point of rotation (the pivot point or axis) to where the force is applied, known as the force arm or moment arm.

When the same force acts on the shaft, if the length of the force arm increases, the torque produced by that force will also increase. This is because torque is calculated using the formula:

Torque = Force × Distance (force arm)

In this case, if the distance (force arm) becomes greater while the force remains constant, the result of multiplying the unchanged force by a larger distance will yield a greater torque value. Hence, the torque becomes larger as the force arm increases.

Understanding this principle is crucial when working with machinery such as forklifts, where torque affects lifting and maneuvering capabilities.