Moment / Turning forces

• What is the turning effect called when a force is applied to an object with a pivot?

  Moment
• In a system with a pivot, what happens when a force is applied?

  The object experiences a turning effect
• What are the two directions a moment can act in?

  • Clockwise
  • Anti-clockwise
• What is the equation to calculate the moment?

  Moment = Force × Distance
• What are the units for force?

  Newtons
• What are the units for distance?

  Meters
• What are the units for moment?

  Newton meters
• How does increasing the distance from the pivot affect the moment?

  It increases the moment experienced
• How does a long handled screwdriver help in opening a paint tin?

  It increases the distance from the pivot
• How do you calculate the moments on either side of a pivot?

  Calculate force times distance for each side
• What happens to the seesaw if the anti-clockwise moment is larger?

  The seesaw will move anti-clockwise
• What does it mean if the clockwise and anti-clockwise moments are equal?

  The seesaw is in equilibrium
• What is the law of moments?

  • When in equilibrium,
  • Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of anti-clockwise moments
• What happens to the seesaw when it is balanced?

  There is no movement up or down