Balanced Moments

• What should you be able to calculate using balance moments?

  Size of a force or its distance from the pivot
• What is a moment in physics?

  The turning effect of a force
• How do you calculate the moment?

  Force in Newtons multiplied by distance in meters
• What must the distance be in relation to the pivot when calculating moments?

  Perpendicular from the pivot to the line of action
• What happens when a seesaw is balanced?

  • Clockwise moment equals anticlockwise moment
  • Forces multiplied by distances are equal
• If person B applies a force of 350 Newtons at 0.76 m, what is the clockwise moment?

  266 Newton m
• How do you find the distance person A must sit from the pivot?

  Divide clockwise moment by person A's force
• How do you find the force applied by the counterweight?

  Divide anticlockwise moment by distance
• What causes a block to topple when tilted?

  Line of action of weight lies outside base
• What results from an unbalanced moment acting on an object?

  Causes the object to topple
• What is the relationship between clockwise and anticlockwise moments for a balanced seesaw?

  • Clockwise moment = Anticlockwise moment
  • Forces multiplied by distances are equal
• What is the significance of the center of mass in relation to moments?

  • Weight acts down from the center of mass
  • Determines stability of the object