Question

To properly tighten a nut manually to 160 foot pounds (or loosen it) what would you do (force distance problem)

Answer 1

To tighten/loosen a nut properly it is given that 160 foot pounds torque is needed. Torque is given by

Torque (T) = Force (F) * Perpendicular distance (d)

this perpendicular distance(d) is the length of wrench that is being used for tightening or loosing of nut. different length of wrenches are available depending upon the torque required and size of bolt to be tighten.

we can conclude that F= T/d

i.e. force required is inversely proportional to perpendicular distance and force decreases with increase in length of wrench. that is the reason for using longer wrenches for higher torques.

thus in given question based on wrench length available force required can be calculated.