Question

A force of 5 kgf is required to cut a metal sheet. A shear is used for cutting a metal sheet; its blade is 5 cm long while its handle is 10 cm long. What effort is needed to cut a sheet?

• A. 2.5 kgf
• B. 5.0 kgf
• C. 2.0 kgf
• D. 3.0 kgf

Answer 1

The correct option is A

2.5 kgf

Length of blades = Load arm = 5 cm = $\frac{5}{100}$ m

Load L = 5 kgf

Effort needed, E =?

Length of handle = Effort arm = 10 cm = $\frac{10}{100}$ m

E $\times$ Effort arm = L $\times$ Load arm

$\frac{\text{E}\times 10}{100}$= $\frac{5\times 5}{100}$

E = $\frac{25}{10}$ = 2.5 kgf