Select the situation for which the torque is the smallest. a. A 200 kg piece of silver is placed at the end of a 2.5 m tree branch.
b. A 20 kg piece of marble is placed at the end of a 25 m construction crane arm.
c. A 8 kg quartz rock is placed at the end of a 62.5 m thin titanium rod.
d. The torque is the same for two cases.
e. The torque is the same for all cases.

e. The torque is the same for all cases.

Explanation:

The formula for torque is:

τ = Fr

where,

τ = Torque

F = Force = Weight (in this case) = mg

r = perpendicular distance between force an axis of rotation

Therefore,

τ = mgr

a)

Here,

m = 200 kg

r = 2.5 m

Therefore,

τ = (200 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(2.5 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

b)

Here,

m = 20 kg

r = 25 m

Therefore,

τ = (20 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(25 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

c)

Here,

m = 8 kg

r = 62.5 m

Therefore,

τ = (8 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(62.5 m)

τ = 4900 N.m

Hence, the correct answer will be:

e. The torque is the same for all cases.