The tendon of the biceps brachii attaches very close to the elbow. This means that in order to maintain a state of static angular equilibrium against a load that is distributed far from the elbow, such as dumbbell held in the hand, the biceps would have to produce a force ______ the weight of the dumbbell.
A. Greater than
B. Less than
C. The answer cannot be determined from the information given.
For equilibrium, the net torque should be zero.
Torque = Force x perpendicular distance.
ie, Force produced by biceps x perpendicular distance between biceps and elbow joint = Weight of dumbbell x perpendicular distance between dumbbell and elbow joint.
As the dumbbell is held in hand, the perpendicular distance between dumbbell and elbow joint will be greater than the perpendicular distance between biceps and elbow joint. Therefore, the force produced by biceps should be greater than the weight of the dumbbell. (so that the product, which is torque be the same for equilibrium)
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