5.3.6

Moments

Test yourself

Turning Effect

A moment is the turning effect of a force around a fixed point.

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Doors

  • Doors open more easily if we press (exert force) far away from the hinge, rather than next to the hinge.
  • Pushing further away from the hinge (fixed point) means the moment is larger.
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See-saw

  • Balancing on a see-saw is a good example for demonstrating how turning effects work.
  • To balance the weight of a heavier person, a lighter person must sit further away from the pivot.
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Wrench

  • When a mechanic uses a long wrench to tighten or loosen bolts, such as those holding a car wheel in place, they will always hold it at the furthest end from the bolt.
  • This uses the turning effect to magnify the force of their hand on the wrench.

Moment

Moment = force x perpendicular distance from pivot.

Equilibrium

For an object to be in equilibrium:

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In linear motion

  • There must be no resultant force acting on the object.
  • It must be stationary or travelling at a constant speed in a straight line.
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In circular motion

  • The sum of the clockwise moments must be equal to the sum of the anti-clockwise moments acting on the object.
  • This means that the object is not rotating or rotates at a constant speed.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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