Moment

• A moment is defined as the turning effect of a force about a pivot
• The size of a moment is defined by the equation: M = F × d
• The moment depends on the force and perpendicular distance to the pivot
• The unit of a moment is Newton metres (N m)
• The Principle of Moments states that if an object is balanced, the total clockwise moment about a pivot equals the total anticlockwise moment about that pivot
• Forces causing a moment should be perpendicular to the distance from the pivot
• In a balanced beam, total clockwise moments equal total anticlockwise moments
• The centre of gravity of an object is defined as the point through which the weight of an object acts
• For a symmetrical object of uniform density, the centre of gravity is located at the point of symmetry
• The centre of gravity of an irregular object can be found by locating its balance point
• A couple is when two equal forces act at right angles to one another, they produce no resultant force but do have a resultant moment.
• Moment = Force x Distance (Nm)