Why does a screw hold two wooden planks together much more firmly than a smooth nail of the same size?

Why does a screw hold two wooden planks together much more firmly than a smooth nail of the same size?
  1. The winding threads of a screw act as an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, increasing grip and surface contact.
  2. A screw is made of a much heavier metal than a nail.
  3. A screw completely removes the force of gravity acting on the planks.
  4. The sharp tip of a screw acts as a Class I lever when turned.

Solution

The spiral thread of a screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a central rod, providing greater friction and holding power than a smooth nail.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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