Moments

• What is a moment in physics?

  The turning effect of a force
• How is the moment calculated?

  Moment equals force times distance
• What do levers and gears have in common?

  • They transmit the turning effect of a force
  • Input force creates an output force
• What happens to input and output forces on different sides of the pivot?

  They act in different directions
• What happens to input and output forces on the same side of the pivot?

  They act in the same direction
• Where is the output force generally located in relation to the pivot?

  Closer to the pivot than the input force
• What is the advantage of using levers?

  They provide a larger output force with less input force
• What is the role of gears in a system?

  To transmit turning effects
• What remains constant despite the magnification of the turning effect in gears?

  The total work done remains the same
• What does the distance resemble

  The perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force
• How do levers and gears transmit the rotational effect of forces

  Levers are capable of taking an input force and multiplying it at the output.

  
  

  Gears are capable of taking an input moment and multiplying it at the output
• How does a longer spanner compare to a shorter spanner?

  A longer spanner is easier to use
• What happens when a force is applied to a spanner?

  It turns around the pivot point
• What is the pivot in the context of a moment?

  The central point around which it turns
• How is the size of a moment calculated?

  Moment = force × perpendicular distance
• Why is perpendicular distance important in calculating moments?

  It measures at right angles to the force
• If a force is applied at an angle, how does it affect the moment?

  The moment created will be smaller
• Why is a larger force needed when applied closer to the pivot?

  Because the distance is smaller
• What happens when multiple moments act on the same object?

  They can balance each other out
• How do we describe moments in relation to a pivot?

  In terms of clockwise or anti-clockwise
• What must be true for a seesaw to remain balanced?

  Total clockwise moment equals total anti-clockwise moment
• How do you calculate the distance needed to balance a seesaw?

  Distance = moment / force
• What are the key concepts related to moments?

  • Moment is the rotational effect of a force
  • Calculated as moment = force × perpendicular distance
  • Importance of applying force at right angles
  • Balancing moments in systems like seesaws
• What factors affect the size of a moment?

  • Magnitude of the applied force
  • Perpendicular distance from the pivot
  • Angle of force application