Contextualization

Torque, also known as moment of force, is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the amount of force that can cause an object to rotate around an axis. Understanding this concept is crucial for many practical applications, from simple tasks like opening a door to understanding how machines operate.

Torque is given by the formula:

T = F.r.sin(θ),

where T is the torque, F is the applied force, r is the distance from the point of force application to the axis of rotation, and θ is the angle between the direction of the force and the line connecting the point of force application to the axis of rotation.

Torque is a vector quantity, with a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the force and radius vectors. Now, let's understand torque in the context of everyday life.

Imagine you are trying to open a door by pulling the handle. The force you apply to the handle produces a torque that rotates the door around its hinges. The angle between the direction of the force you apply and the line connecting the handle to the door hinge is typically 90 degrees. The distance between the handle and the door hinge determines the r in the torque formula. The farther the handle is from the hinges, the less force you need to apply to open the door.

Torque plays a crucial role in many aspects of our daily life and technology. It is the principle behind wheel wrenches used to remove nuts and bolts, cranks used to turn wheels, and many other tools and machines.

Although it is an abstract concept, torque is very practical and has a wide range of applications in engineering and physics. It is vital for the design of cars, airplanes, robots, and also for the analysis and performance of sports like baseball, golf, and swimming.

The following resources may be useful for you to explore more about torque:

1. Khan Academy Article - Torque
2. Professor Nicolau Gilberto Ferraro's Video on Torque

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Torque - Running the World

Project Objective

This project aims to demonstrate the principle of torque through a playful activity - building and racing soapbox cars - while developing technical and socio-emotional skills such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will be responsible for building a soapbox car, calculating the torque needed for it to move. Subsequently, the groups will compete in a soapbox car race.

This project should take place over a week. We suggest that students allocate between two to four hours for the execution of this work.

CAUTION: Always remember safety during construction and when racing soapbox cars. The use of helmets and knee pads is mandatory during the race.

Required Materials

1. Steel bearings
2. Wood for the structure
3. Steering rope
4. Screws and nuts for assembly
5. Helmet and knee pads
6. Safety equipment for construction (gloves, goggles)
7. Tools (hammer, drill, screwdriver, sandpaper)

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide for Activity Execution

1. Initial Research and Planning: Research soapbox car models and plan how to build your group's car. Remember to consider the torque needed for the car's movement.

2. Torque Calculation: Create a plan on how to apply torque to the soapbox car. Calculate the torque needed to move the car considering inclinations and different weights.

3. Construction of the Soapbox Car: With your plan in hand, start building the soapbox car.

4. Soapbox Car Race: With all soapbox cars built and safely prepared, it's race time! Conduct the race in a safe and suitable area.

5. Results Analysis: After the race, analyze the results obtained with your group. Did the car match the calculated torque? If not, why?

6. Written Report: After the practical activity, each group must produce a detailed report explaining the entire process, from conception to project execution.

Project Deliverables

• Soapbox Car: A soapbox car built based on the torque theory.

• Documentation of each activity stage: Each team must document in photos or videos the project stages, demonstrating the entire process of building the soapbox car and the race.

• Written Report: The main deliverable of this project is a detailed report, containing: Introduction (contextualizing the torque theme, its relevance, and project description); Development (explaining the torque theory, project details, methodology used, and results obtained); Conclusion (summarizing key points, learnings, and final considerations on the project); Bibliography (indicating all research sources used for the project).

The report should be written clearly, coherently, and cohesively, as it will be used as evidence of understanding the torque concept and the ability to work in a team.