This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23

lectures some of the details explained in

class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding

TURNING EFFECT OF FORCES

Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content

1.5 Forces continued

1.5.1 Effects of forces continued

Core Supplement
6 Describe solid friction as the force between two
surfaces that may impede motion and produce
heating
7 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object
1 moving through a liquid
8 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object
moving through a gas (e.g. air resistance)

1.5.2 Turning effect of forces

Core Supplement
1 Describe the moment of a force as a measure of
its turning effect and give everyday examples
2 Define the moment of a force as
moment = force × perpendicular distance from
the pivot; recall and use this equation
3 Apply the principle of moments to situations 5 Apply the principle of moments to other
with one force each side of the pivot, including situations, including those with more than one
balancing of a beam force each side of the pivot
4 State that, when there is no resultant force and 6 Describe an experiment to demonstrate that
no resultant moment, an object is in equilibrium there is no resultant moment on an object in
equilibrium

1.5.3 Centre of gravity

Core Supplement
1 State what is meant by centre of gravity
2 Describe an experiment to determine the
position of the centre of gravity of an irregularly
shaped plane lamina
3 Describe, qualitatively, the effect of the position
of the centre of gravity on the stability of simple
objects

Robila Imran 1
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding

Moment of a force
Turning effect of force about a pivot is called Moment of force or Torque.
Turning Effect of force depends on
• The size of force
• The perpendicular distance from the pivot
Moment = Force x Perpendicular distance from the pivot

Everyday Examples

Robila Imran 2
 4 Which substance in the table has the lowest density?

substance mass / g volume / cm3

A nylon 1.2 1.0

This is a teaching resource
B
used
cotton
to deliver 1.5 1.0
11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
C
class may not be present inolive
theseoil
slides 1.8 2.0

please refer to classDnotes for full

water 2.0 2.0
understanding
5 Three simple machines are shown.

1 2 3
Q5/W21/P22

moving soil with cutting string screwing a screw

a wheelbarrow with scissors with a screwdriver

Which machines are an application of the moment of a force?

A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

A
6 A spring, which obeys Hooke’s law, has an unstretched length of 10 cm.

5 A load of 20 N is suspended from the spring.

The new length of the spring is 36 cm.

What is the spring constant k of the spring?

A 0.56 N / cm B 0.77 N / cm C 1.3 N / cm D 1.8 N / cm

The Principle of Moments

Sum of anti-clockwise moment about a point = Sum of clockwise moment
F1 x d1 = F2 x d2

© UCLES 2021 0625/22/O/N/21 [Turn over

Robila Imran 3
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full 4
understanding
6 An object decelerates from 25.0 m / s to 5.0 m / s in a time of 4.0 s.

It has a mass of 50 kg.

Conditions for equilibrium
•Theisforces
What on the
the resultant forceobject must be
on the object? balanced (there must be no resultant
force).
A 0.63 N B 10 N C 250 N D 4000 N

Sum of upward forces = Sum of downward forces

7 A beam is pivoted at one end, as shown.

•The sum of clockwise moments

40 cm on the
X
object must equal the sum of
beam
anticlockwise moments
pivot (the principle of moments).

Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of anti-clockwise moments

F1 x d16.0=N F2 x d2
The beam weighs 6.0 N and its weight acts at a point X, 40 cm from the pivot.
[Link]

A force of 4.0 N is applied to the beam causing it to balance horizontally.

7 In which direction and where is the 4.0 N force applied?

A downwards at 20 cm to the left of X

B downwards at 20 cm to the right of X
C upwards at 20 cm to the left of X
D upwards at 20 cm to the right of X
Q8/S18/P22

8 A spacecraft is travelling in space with no resultant force and no resultant moment acting on it.

Which statement about the spacecraft is correct?

A Its direction is changing.

B It is in equilibrium.
C Its speed is decreasing.
D Its speed is increasing. B

9 A car of mass 1000 kg travelling at 8.0 m / s collides with a lorry of mass 3000 kg that is travelling
at 2.0 m / s in the same direction. After colliding, the two vehicles stick together.

What is their speed after the collision?

A 2.0 m / s B 2.5 m / s C 3.5 m / s D 5.0 m / s

8

Robila Imran 4

© UCLES 2018 0625/22/M/J/18

 The load is now increased slightly.

What happens?
This is a teaching
A Theresource used
extension towire
of the deliver
increases and the wire no longer obeys Hooke’s law. 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
B The extension of the wire decreases and the wire no longer obeys Hooke’s law.
class may not be present in these slides
C class
please refer to The extension
notes foroffull
the wire increases and it obeys Hooke’s law.

understanding D The extension of the wire decreases and it obeys Hooke’s law.
Q8/S18/P23
7 The diagram shows a uniform metre rule pivoted at the 30 cm mark.

metre rule

0 cm 30 cm 70 cm 100 cm

pivot
6.0 N 2.0 N
3 from the zero mark and a weight of 2.0 N is
The rule balances when a weight of 6.0 N is hanging
hanging from the 70 cm mark.
6 Four hollow glass spheres P, Q, R and S each have a mass of 72 g.
What is the weight of the rule?
Their volumes are given in the table.
A 2.0 N B 5.0 N C 6.0 N D 13.0 N
volume / cm3

© UCLES 2018 P0625/23/M/J/1855 B over

[Turn
Q 65

9 R 75
S 85

Which spheres sink in a liquid of density 0.9 g / cm3?

A P, Q and R B Q, R and S C R and S only D S only

Q7/W19/P23
7 The diagram shows a uniform metre rule. The rule is pivoted at its mid-point. A downward force of
4.0 N acts on the rule at the 5 cm mark. The rule is held by a string at the 30 cm mark. The rule is
in equilibrium.

string metre rule

0 cm mark 100 cm mark
5 50

30
pivot

4.0 N

What is the upward force that the string exerts on the rule?

A 0.67 N B 4.0 N C 6.0 N D 9.0 N

D
8 A ship sails due North at a speed of 20 m / s. A current in the water begins to move from East to
West. The speed of this current is 20 m / s.

What is the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the ship?

10
A 0m/s B 20 m / s C 28 m / s D 40 m / s

9 The momentum of a body is changed by a force acting on it for a period of time.

Robila Imran 5
Which action increases the change in momentum?

A doubling the force and halving the time

B doubling the force for the same time
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding 4

2 (a) (i) State, in words, the equation that defines the moment of a force.

...........................................................................................................................................
Q2/W19/P43
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State what is meant by the moment of a force.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Force is a vector quantity. 4

2 (a)Explain
(i) State,
whatiniswords,
meantthe
by equation
the term that defines the moment of a force.
vector.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) State what is meant by the moment of a force.
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a tower crane used to lift a load on a construction site.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Force is a vector quantity.

11 Explain what is meant by the term vector.

...........................................................................................................................................

counterweight
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
load
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a tower crane used to lift a load on a construction site.

counterweight Fig. 2.1

load
Explain how the counterweight prevents the crane from toppling over.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]
Fig. 2.1
[Total: 6]
Explain how the counterweight prevents the crane from toppling over.

...................................................................................................................................................

12 ...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 6]
Robila Imran © UCLES 2019 0625/43/O/N/19 6
 X Y

80 cm

5.0 N
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in a 6.0 N weight on the rod so that it is in equilibrium.
A student hangs
class may not be present in these
What isslides
the distance of the 6.0 N weight from end X?
please refer to class notes for full
A 6 cm B 10 cm C 26 cm D 30 cm
understanding
9 A wooden plank rests in equilibrium on two rocks on opposite sides of a narrow stream.

Q9/M18/P22 Three forces P, Q and R act on the plank.

P R
plank

How are the sizes of the forces related?

A P+Q=R
B P+R=Q B
C P=Q=R
D P=Q+R

13

© UCLES 2018 0625/22/F/M/18

4

2 (a) State the two conditions which must be true for an object to be in equilibrium.

condition 1 ................................................................................................................................

Q2/W19/P42 condition 2 ................................................................................................................................

[2]

(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform metre rule PQ in equilibrium.

10 cm 40 cm
P Q

pivot

0.50 N

Fig. 2.1

The distance PQ is 100 cm. The mass of the metre rule is 0.12 kg and its weight is W.

(i) On Fig 2.1, draw and label:

1. an arrow to show the force W acting on PQ at the centre of mass

2. an arrow to show the force R acting on PQ at the pivot.

[2]

(ii) By taking moments about the pivot, calculate F.

14

Robila Imran 7
F = ........................................................ [4]

(iii) Calculate R.
 [2]
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform metre rule PQ in equilibrium.
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform metre rule PQ in equilibrium.
F
F
10 cm 40 cm
This is a teaching resource
10 cm
P used to deliver40 cm 4
Q 11/5/23
lectures some ofP the details 2
explained in
(a) State the two conditions which must be true for an object to be in equilibrium. Q
pivot
class may not be present in these slides
condition
pivot
1 ................................................................................................................................

please refer to class0.50 notes

N for full
condition 2 ................................................................................................................................
[2]
0.50 N
understanding Fig. 2.1
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform metre rule PQ in equilibrium.
Fig. 2.1
The distance PQ is 100 cm. The mass of the metre rule is 0.12 kg and its weight is W. F
The distance PQ is 100 cm. The mass of the metre rule is 0.12 kg and its weight is W.
(i) On Fig 2.1, draw and label:
10 cm 40 cm
(i) On FigP2.1, draw and label: Q
1. an arrow to show the force W acting on PQ at the centre of mass
1. an arrow to show the force
pivotW acting on PQ at the centre of mass
2. an arrow to show the force R acting on PQ at the pivot.
2. 0.50
an arrow
N to show the force R acting on PQ at the pivot. [2]
[2]
(ii) By taking moments about the pivot, calculate
Fig. 2.1 F.
(ii) By taking moments about the pivot, calculate F.
The distance PQ is 100 cm. The mass of the metre rule is 0.12 kg and its weight is W.

(i) On Fig 2.1, draw and label:

1. an arrow to show the force W acting on PQ at the centre of mass

2. an arrow to show the force R acting on PQ at the pivot.

[2]
F = ........................................................ [4]
(ii) By taking moments about the pivot, calculate F.
F = ........................................................ [4]
(iii) Calculate R.
(iii) Calculate R.

R = ........................................................ [2]
F = ........................................................ [4]
R = ........................................................[Total:
[2] 10]
15 (iii) Calculate R.
[Total: 10]
4

3 (a) Complete the statement by writing in the blank spaces.

R = ........................................................ [2]

© UCLES 2019 0625/42/O/N/19 [Total: 10]

The moment of a force about a pivot is equal to ......................................................................
Q3/M18/P42
© UCLES 2019 0625/42/O/N/19
multiplied by .......................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a horizontal rod of length 2.4 m and weight 160 N. The weight of the rod acts
at its
© UCLES centre. The rod is suspended
2019 by two vertical ropes X and Y. The tension in each rope is
0625/42/O/N/19

80 N.

80 N 80 N
2.4 m
rope X rope Y

rod
160 N

Fig. 3.1

(i) State the name given to the point at which the weight of the rod acts.

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the mass of the rod.

16

mass = ......................................................... [1]

Robila Imran (iii) The rod is in equilibrium. 8

Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain why.

...........................................................................................................................................
 The moment of a force about a pivot is equal to ......................................................................

multiplied by ..........................................................................................................................
4 [1]

(b) Fig. 3.13shows(a) aComplete

horizontalthe
rodstatement
of length by
2.4writing
m and inweight 160 N.
the blank The weight of the rod acts
spaces.
at its centre. The rod is suspended by two vertical ropes X and Y. The tension in each rope is
This is a teaching
80 N. resource usedoftoa force
The moment deliver
about a pivot is equal to ...................................................................... 11/5/23
lectures some of the details
80 N
explained in
multiplied by ..........................................................................................................................
80 N [1]
class may not be present in these slides 2.4 m
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a horizontal rod of length 2.4 m and weight 160 N. The weight of the rod acts
please referrope
toXclass notes for full rope Y
at its centre. The rod is suspended by two vertical ropes X and Y. The tension in each rope is
understanding 80 N.
rod
80 N 160 N 80 N
2.4 m
rope X rope Y
Fig. 3.1

(i) State the name given to the point at which the weight of the rod acts. rod
160 N
...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the mass of the rod. Fig. 3.1

(i) State the name given to the point at which the weight of the rod acts.

mass = ......................................................... [1]

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) The rod is in(ii)

equilibrium.
Calculate the mass of the rod.

Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain why.

...........................................................................................................................................
mass = ......................................................... [1]

...........................................................................................................................................
(iii) The rod is in equilibrium.

...........................................................................................................................................
Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain why.

...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................

17 ...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [4]
...........................................................................................................................................

[Total: 7]
...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Center of Gravity
...................................................................................................................................... [4]

Center of gravity of an object is the point at which the whole weight of

[Total: 7]

the object seems to act. 0625/42/F/M/18

© UCLES 2018

© UCLES 2018 0625/42/F/M/18

18

Robila Imran 9
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding

Critical thinking
Where will be the center of gravity of the following?
Hint: Symmetry can help you to judge COG

In the middle , in the air below the table top

19

20

Robila Imran 10
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 4
11/5/23
lectures some of the details
7 Aexplained in a forward force of 100 kN to act on the car. The total resistive force on the
car engine causes
car is 20 kN.
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
What is the resultant force on the car?

understanding
A 5.0 kN B 60 kN C 80 kN D 120 kN

8 A student sets up the apparatus shown in the diagram to find the centre of mass of the card.

Q8/M17/P12 small hole

cork pin or nail

stand

card

string

bob

The student makes sure that the card, the string and the bob are all at rest.

What should the student do next?

A Mark a horizontal line on the card level with the middle of the string.
B Mark the line of the string on the card.
B
C Pull the bob on the string to one side and release it.
D Replace the bob with a heavier bob.

21

4
Q8/Sp23/P2
8 A hole is made in a square tile of uniform thickness. The diagram shows the tile hanging loosely
on a nail.

Where is the centre of gravity of the tile?

© UCLES 2017 0625/12/F/M/17

A
nail through hole

tile
D

B
C D

9 An object of mass 0.16 kg is moving forwards at a speed of 0.50 m / s.

22
A second object of mass 0.10 kg is at rest.

The first object strikes the second object.

Robila Imran After the collision, the second object moves forwards at a speed of 0.50 m / s. 11
What is the speed of the first object after the collision?

A 0.0 m / s B 0.19 m / s C 0.31 m / s D 0.50 m / s

This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding

Stability and Center of Gravity

Stability of an object depends on:
• Surface Area( The body should have broad base)
• Position of center of gravity ( center of gravity should be as low as possible)

23

24

Robila Imran 12
This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full
understanding

The objects will be stable as long as

• line of action of the objects lies within the base of the object.(Vertical line drawn
from the center of gravity should fall with in the base of support)
• The object should have a wider base
• Center of gravity of the object should be as low as possible

25

When designing vehicles, engineers try to design so that the centre of

mass is as low as possible. This makes vehicles less likely to turn over
when going round corners.

26

Robila Imran 13
 P Q
G
ground
beam

The length of the beam is 3.0 m and its weight is 600 N.

This is a teaching resource used to deliver 11/5/23
The centre of mass of the beam at G is 1.0 m from end P.
lectures some of the details explained in
class may not be present What
in these
is theslides
size of the force F when it just raises end Q from the ground?
please refer to class notesA for200
full
N B 300 N C 400 N D 600 N
understanding
8 The diagram shows a stand. The stand holds a heavy mass above the bench.
Q8/W20/P22
heavy mass

stand

bench
base

Which two changes would definitely make the stand more stable?

A Lower the mass and make the base narrower.

B Lower the mass and make the base wider.
C Raise the mass and make the base narrower. B
D Raise the mass and make the base wider.

27 © UCLES 2020 0625/22/O/N/20

3 In a double-decker bus there are two passenger compartments, one above the other.

(a) Fig. 3.1 shows a double-decker bus on a tilted platform.

Q3/S20/P43

top compartment

bottom compartment

platform

angle

Fig. 3.1

The platform is used to test the stability of the bus.

The angle the bus makes with the horizontal is gradually increased until the bus begins to
topple to the left.

Explain why the bus begins to topple.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) There are 30 passengers in the upper compartment of the bus and 2 passengers in the
28 bottom compartment of the bus.

State how this affects the stability of the bus and the reason for this.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
Robila Imran 14
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
 The platform is used to test the stability of the bus.

The angle the bus makes with the horizontal is gradually increased until the bus begins to
topple to the left.

This is a teaching resource

Explain used why thetobus deliver
begins to topple. 11/5/23
lectures some of the details explained in
...................................................................................................................................................
class may not be present in these slides
please refer to class notes for full 5
...................................................................................................................................................
understanding (c) A bus is travelling along a straight road. The bus and the driver have a combined mass of
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
16 000 kg when there are no passengers in it. The bus has 73 passengers. The average
(b)mass
There of each
are 30 of the passengers
passengers is 65upper
in the kg. compartment of the bus and 2 passengers in the
bottom compartment of the bus.
(i) Calculate the total mass of the bus, the driver and the 73 passengers.
State how this affects the stability of the bus and the reason for this.

...................................................................................................................................................
5
...................................................................................................................................................
(c) A bus is travelling along a straight road. The bus and the driver have a combined mass of
16 000 kg when there are no passengers in it. The bus has 73 passengers. The average [2]
.............................................................................................................................................
mass of each of the passengers is 65 kg.

(i) Calculate the total mass of the bus, the driver and the 73 passengers.
4

2 mass
Fig. 2.1 shows a sign = .........................................................
that extends over a road. [2]

(ii) The fully loaded bus accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 14 m / s. The time
taken to reach a speed of 14 m / ssupport
is 20 post
s.

Calculate the resultant force on the bus during the acceleration.

ACCIDENT
SLOW DOWN

sign
mass = .........................................................
1.8 m [2]
29 concrete
© UCLES 2020 0625/43/M/J/20
block
(ii) The fully loaded bus accelerates uniformlyforce from rest to a speed W of 14 m / s. The time
= ......................................................... [2]
taken to reach a speed of 14 m / s is 20 s.
1.3 m [Total: 7]
Calculate the resultant
4 force on the bus during the acceleration.
2 Fig. 2.1 shows a sign that extends over a road. P

Q2/S19/P41 70 cm

support post Fig. 2.1

The mass of the sign is 3.4 × 10 kg. 3

ACCIDENT
SLOW DOWN force = ......................................................... [2]
(a) Calculate the weight W of the sign.
[Total: 7]
sign
1.8 m
concrete
block W = ......................................................... [2]
W
(b) The weight of the sign acts at a horizontal distance of 1.8 m from the centre of the support
post and it produces a turning effect about point P.
1.3 m
Point P is a horizontal distance of 1.3 m from the centre of the support post.
P
(i) Calculate the moment about P due to the weight of the sign.
70 cm

Fig. 2.1

The mass of the sign is 3.4 × 103 kg.

(a) Calculate the weight W of the sign.

moment = ......................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2020 0625/43/M/J/20
W = ......................................................... [2] [Turn over
30 (b) The weight of the sign acts at a horizontal distance of 1.8 m from the centre of the support
post and it produces a turning effect about point P.
© UCLES 2019 0625/41/M/J/19
Point P is a horizontal distance of 1.3 m from the centre of the support post.

(i) Calculate the moment about P due to the weight of the sign.

Robila Imran 15

© UCLES 2020 0625/43/M/J/20 [Turn over

moment = ......................................................... [3]