Question

two farmers are trying to move a large rock that sits in a field. they use a long stick as a lever and a brick as the fulcrum, as shown in the diagram. they apply a force on the stick at the location shown by the arrow. however, the rock does not move. which change would best allow the farmers to move the rock? a moving the brick closer to the rock. b moving the brick to the other side of the rock. c applying a smaller force at the same location on the stick. d applying an equal force at a location farther away from the rock.

Explanation:

To move the rock, we use the lever principle (torque = force × distance from fulcrum). Moving the brick (fulcrum) closer to the rock shortens the resistance arm (distance from rock to fulcrum) and lengthens the effort arm (distance from force to fulcrum), increasing mechanical advantage. Option B would reverse the lever, C reduces force (worse), D moves force away (shortens effort arm). So A is best.

Answer:

A. Moving the brick closer to the rock.