# A mechanic uses a spanner to tighten a bolt. When the mechanic cannot tighten the bolt any further using a short spanner, they switch to a longer spanner. Explain why the longer spanner makes it easier to tighten the bolt further, using the idea of moments.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.4 Moments, levers and gears (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A moment is the turning effect of a force about a pivot
2. The bolt acts as the pivot point
3. Moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot
4. The longer spanner increases the perpendicular distance, so a greater moment is produced for the same applied force

## Key terms

- [moment](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/moment)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-mechanic-uses-a-spanner-to-ae0ccd45) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.