Moments

• What is an alternative name for the turning effect of a force?

  A moment.
• State the equation used to calculate the moment of a force. Give appropriate units.

  Moment of force = Force x Distance

  Moment (Nm), Force (N), Distance (M)
• What distance measurement is used when calculating a moment?

  The perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
• If an object is in equilibrium, what can be said about the moments acting on the object?

  The clockwise moments are equal to the anticlockwise moments.
• How do levers make use of moments?

  They increase the perpendicular distance of the force from the pivot, so decrease the force needed to produce the same moment.
• How are levers used to decrease the force required to lift something?

  Levers use a pivot point and the concept of moments to reduce the force. The further you are away from the pivot point, the less force you need to lift the object up.
• How does lubricating levers/gears improve efficiency?

  There is less resistance; less energy is wasted/dissipated as heat) overcoming frictional forces.