What is the physics behind cutting things with scissors?

[Juice Box]

I thought that a bigger lever arm = more torque.....therefore, why is it better to cut things as close to the pivot point as possible? I didnt think it made sense that there was a bigger torque near the pivot....

 

[spidey07]

It's a lever.

 

[darkxshade]

because it is what it is

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Juice Box
I thought that a bigger lever arm = more torque.....therefore, why is it better to cut things as close to the pivot point as possible? I didnt think it made sense that there was a bigger torque near the pivot....

because it holds the paper, if you shut the scissors all the way before you cut except for a small area, then stuff the paper in, typically it works the same

 

[DaShen]

More torque on a lever when the force side of the lever is long and the applied side is short -- so it follows physics.

Think of a seesaw, sit near the middle and have someone half your weight sit on the other end of the seesaw at the far edge. Chances are he/she will lift you up. If you are on the long end as well though, the person will have much trouble trying to get enough torque to lift you.

 

[Wizkid]

The two blades of the scissors tend to be closer together near the pivot, compared to the tips, which would probably help as well.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Originally posted by: Juice Box
I thought that a bigger lever arm = more torque.....therefore, why is it better to cut things as close to the pivot point as possible? I didnt think it made sense that there was a bigger torque near the pivot....

You really need to take physics... closer to the pivot point equals more torque --> more shear force on the paper.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Juice Box
I thought that a bigger lever arm = more torque.....therefore, why is it better to cut things as close to the pivot point as possible? I didnt think it made sense that there was a bigger torque near the pivot....

You want to apply the force as far away from the pivot as possible on one side, while utilizing the force close to the pivot on the other side.

So, to answer your question, the handle where the input force is applied is NOT close to the pivot, that is what is important.