What does an increase in the distance from the pivot point do to the torque on an object?

Torque is defined as the rotational equivalent of linear force and is calculated using the formula: torque = force × distance from the pivot point (lever arm) × sin(θ), where θ is the angle between the force and the lever arm.

When the distance from the pivot point increases, assuming the force applied remains constant, the torque will increase proportionally. This is because torque depends on both the magnitude of the force and the distance from the pivot. A longer lever arm allows the same force to create a more significant rotational effect, thereby increasing the torque.

In practical terms, this concept is why longer tools are often used to turn tight bolts; they provide greater leverage, making it easier to apply sufficient torque to achieve the desired rotational effect. Thus, as the distance from the pivot increases, the torque indeed increases, confirming that the correct answer is that torque is increased.