Physics

#4 Moments

1. What is a moment?

The Moment of a force is a measure of its tendency to cause a body to rotate

about a specific point or axis. This is different from the tendency for a body to
move, or translate, in the direction of the force. In order for a moment to develop,
the force must act upon the body in such a manner that the body would begin to
twist. This occurs every time a force is applied so that it does not pass through
the centroid of the body. A moment is due to a force not having an equal and
opposite force directly along its line of action.

2. What is the formula for moments?

moment = force x perpendicular distance

T= Fd

3. What is the SI unit of moment?

The unit of moment is N m. Other units may be used, such as N em or kN m,

depending on the size of the moment.

4. What is the centre of gravity?

The centre of gravity of a body is the point through which the resultant
gravitational force on the body acts.

5. Define the following terms:

• Stable equilibrium: A body is in stable equilibrium if, when slightly displaced,

its centre of gravity rises and a restoring moment is created that returns the body
to its base.

• Unstable equilibrium: A body is in unstable equilibrium if, when slightly

displaced, its centre of gravity falls and a toppling moment is created which
removes the body from its base.
 • Neutral equilibrium: A body is in neutral equilibrium if, when slightly displaced,
the height of its centre of gravity is unchanged and the body remains at rest in its
new position.

6. How is the centre of gravity of an object determined?

A straight rod
The rod is balanced on the edge of a fulcrum or is suspended horizontally from a
string until it balances. The point of support is then the centre of gravity.

An irregularly shaped lamina

The lamina is hung so that it swings freely from a pin placed through a small hole
near its edge as shown in Figure 4.3. A plumb line is suspended from the pin and
the position where it passes in front of the lamina is marked by small crosses. A
line is drawn through the crosses. The procedure is repeated twice by
suspending the lamina from other points near its edge. Where the lines intersect
is the centre of gravity of the lamina.

7. What are the factors affecting the stability of an object?

● Height of its centre of gravity

● Width of its base

● Its weight. A larger weight increases the restoring moment of a stable

body thereby increasing its stability. It also increases the toppling moment
of an unstable body, thereby decreasing its stability.

8. What are some devices that utilize principles of moments?

● Spanner
● Wheelbarrow
● Crowbar

9. What is the principle of moments?

The sum of the clockwise moments about any point is equal to the sum of the
anticlockwise moments about that same point (relational equilibrium). This is the
principle of moments.
10. State the TWO conditions necessary for a system of coplanar forces to be in
equilibrium.

The following conditions hold for a system of coplanar forces in equilibrium:

1. The sum of the forces in any direction is equal to the sum of the forces in the
opposite direction (translational equilibrium).

2. The sum of the clockwise moments about any point is equal to the sum of the
anticlockwise moments about that same point (rotational equilibrium).