Why does a mechanic use a long spanner to loosen a tight nut instead of using his fingers directly?

Why does a mechanic use a long spanner to loosen a tight nut instead of using his fingers directly?
  1. It decreases the total work needed to turn the nut.
  2. It allows the mechanic to apply less force over a greater distance.
  3. It creates extra energy without requiring any effort.
  4. It eliminates friction between the nut and the bolt entirely.

Solution

Simple machines do not reduce the amount of work to be done; they reduce the effort required by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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