Moments (OCR AS Physics)

Revision Note

Katie M

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Katie M

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What is a Moment?

  • A moment is the turning effect of a force
  • Moments occur when forces cause objects to rotate about some pivot
  • The moment of a force is given by

               Moment (N m) = Force (N) × perpendicular distance from the pivot (m)

  • The SI unit for the moment is Newton metres (N m). This may also be Newton centimetres (N cm) depending on the units given for the distance

Perpendicular-distance, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The force might not always be perpendicular to the distance

  • An example of moments in everyday life is opening a door
  • The door handle is placed on the other side of the door to the hinge (the pivot) to maximise the distance for a given force and therefore provide a greater moment (turning force)
    • This makes it easier to push or pull it

Worked example

A uniform metre rule is pivoted at the 50 cm mark.

A 0.5 kg weight is suspended at the 80 cm mark, causing the rule to rotate about the pivot.

Assuming the weight of the rule is negligible, what is the turning moment about the pivot?

WE - Mass on ruler question image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

WE - Mass on ruler answer image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

If not already given, drawing all the forces on an object in the diagram will help you see which ones are perpendicular to the distance from the pivot. Not all the forces will provide a turning effect and it is not unusual for a question to provide more forces than required to throw you off!

The Principle of Moments

  • The principle of moments states:

For a system to be in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments about a point must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments (about the same point)

Principle of moments, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Diagram showing the moments acting on a balanced beam

  • In the above diagram:
    • Force F2 is supplying a clockwise moment;
    • Forces F1 and F3 are supplying anticlockwise moments

  • Hence: F2 × d2 = (F1 × d1) + (F3 × d3)

Worked example

A uniform beam of weight 40 N is 5 m long and is supported by a pivot situated 2 m from one end. When a load of weight W is hung from that end, the beam is in equilibrium as shown in the diagram.WE - principle of moments question image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesWhat is the value of W?

A     10 N               B     50 N               C     25 N               D     30 N

WE - principle of moments answer image(1), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesWE - principle of moments answer image(2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

Make sure that all the distances are in the same units and you’re considering the correct forces as clockwise or anticlockwise, as seen in the diagram belowClockwise or anticlockwise moment, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.