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IGCSE Physics Edexcel
1.4 Moments
CONTENTS
1.4.1 Moments
1.4.2 The Principle of Moments
1.4.3 Centre of Gravity
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The force will cause the object to rotate clockwise about the pivot
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
Where:
M = moment in newton metres (Nm)
F = force in newtons (N)
d = perpendicular distance of the force to the pivot in metres (m)
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YOUR NOTES
The moment depends on the force and perpendicular distance to the pivot
This is why, for example, the door handle is placed on the opposite side to the hinge
This means for a given force, the perpendicular distance from the pivot (the hinge) is
larger
This creates a larger moment (turning effect) to make it easier to open the door
Opening a door with a handle close to the pivot would be much harder, and would require a
lot more force
Exam Tip
The unit of a moment is Newton metres (N m), but can also be Newton centimetres
(N cm) ie. where the distance is measured in cm insteadIf the exam question doesn't
ask for a specific unit, always convert the distance into metres
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YOUR NOTES
Worked Example
A parent and child are at opposite ends of a playground see-saw. The parent
weighs 690 N and the child weighs 140 N. The adult sits 0.3 m from the pivot.
Calculate the distance the child must sit from the pivot for the see-saw to be
balanced.
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Clockwise is defined as the direction the hands of a clock move (and anticlockwise
as the opposite)
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YOUR NOTES
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The centre of mass of a broomstick which is also its balance point YOUR NOTES
Exam Tip
Since the centre of gravity is a hypothetical point, it can lie inside or outside of a
body. The centre of gravity will constantly shift depending on the shape of a body.
For example, a human body’s centre of gravity is lower when learning forward than
when stood uprightHowever, make sure that when you are drawing force diagrams
to draw the forces as if they were acting on the centre of gravity of the object!
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