MOMENTS

Introduction
• This chapter you will learn about moments

• Moments can be described as turning forces – rather

than pushing an object along, they turn it round

• You will learn how to calculate the moment of a force

on a pivot point

• You will learn how to calculate moments in rods that

are in equilibrium
TEACHINGS FOR
EXERCISE 5A
 Balancing Act A
pplet
Moments 5N

4N
You can find the moment of a force acting on a
body

Up until this point you have learnt about forces

pushing or pulling a particle in a particular direction 7gN 6N

The particle does not turn round, it just moves in a

direction, based on the sum of the forces

For moments, we replace the particle with a

straight rod (often called a lamina)
 Imagine the rod had a fixed ‘pivot point’ 6N 6N
6N
A force acting on the rod at the centre, beneath
the pivot point, will not cause it to move

If the force is moved to the side however, the rod

will rotate around the pivot point
 A greater force will cause the turning speed to
be faster 6N
 If the force is further from the pivot point,
the turning speed will be faster as well…

5A
 Balancing Act A
pplet
Moments
You can find the moment of a force acting
3m
on a body
C
The turning motion caused by a force is
dependant on:

The magnitude of the force

 A bigger force causes more turn 5N
The distance the force is from the pivot point 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
  𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐶
 A bigger distance causes more turn
¿  5 𝑁 ×3 𝑚
(For example, the further you push a door ¿  15 𝑁𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
from the hinge, the less effort is required to
close it.) Moments are measured in Newton-metres
 You must always include the direction of
To calculate the total moment about a point: the moment
Moment about a point = Force x (either clockwise or anticlockwise)
Perpendicular distance  The distance must always be perpendicular
from the pivot to the force itself…
5A
 Balancing Act A
pplet
Moments
4N
You can find the moment of a force acting F
on a body
2m
The turning motion caused by a force is
dependant on:

The magnitude of the force

 A bigger force causes more turn Calculate the moment of the force about point F

The distance the force is from the pivot point

 A bigger distance causes more turn 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
  𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐹
(For example, the further you push a door
¿  4 𝑁 ×2 𝑚
from the hinge, the less effort is required to
close it.)
¿  8 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 

To calculate the total moment about a point:

Moment about a point = Force x
Perpendicular distance

5A
 Balancing Act A
pplet
Moments
You can find the moment of a force acting A
on a body
4m
4Sin30 30°
9N
The turning motion caused by a force is
dependant on:

The magnitude of the force

 A bigger force causes more turn Calculate the moment of the force about point A
 Draw a triangle to find the perpendicular
distance!
The distance the force is from the pivot point
 A bigger distance causes more turn
𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
  𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝐴
(For example, the further you push a door
  𝑁 × 4 𝑆𝑖𝑛30 𝑚
¿9
from the hinge, the less effort is required to
close it.) ¿  18 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 

To calculate the total moment about a point:

Moment about a point = Force x
Perpendicular distance

5A
TEACHINGS FOR
EXERCISE 5B
Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments (1) (3)

5N 3N
You can find the sum of the moment
of a set of forces acting on a body 2m 1m 1m

P
Sometimes you will have a number of
moments acting around a single point. 4N
(2)
 You need to calculate each one
individually and then choose a Calculate the sum of the moments acting about the point P
positive direction  Start by calculating each moment individually (it might
be useful to label them!)
 Adding the forces together will
then give the overall magnitude
5 𝑁 ×3 𝑚 ¿  15 𝑁𝑚𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
(1)    
and direction of movement (2) 4
  𝑁 ×1 𝑚 ¿  4 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
(3) 3
  𝑁 ×1 𝑚 ¿  3 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
If we had chosen anticlockwise as
the positive direction our answer Choosing clockwise as the positive direction…
would have been -8Nm anticlockwise
15
  𝑁𝑚− 4 𝑁𝑚−3 𝑁𝑚
 This is just 8Nm clockwise (the
same!) ¿  8 𝑁𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
5B
Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
(1)
You can find the sum of the moment 5N
of a set of forces acting on a body

2m
Sometimes you will have a number of
moments acting around a single point.
4m P
 You need to calculate each one
individually and then choose a
positive direction (2) 5N

 Adding the forces together will Calculate the sum of the moments acting about the point P
then give the overall magnitude  Start by calculating each moment individually (it might
and direction of movement be useful to label them!)

5 𝑁 ×2 𝑚 ¿  10 𝑁𝑚𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
(1)    
(2) 5
  𝑁 ×4𝑚 ¿   20 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Choosing anticlockwise as the positive direction…

20
  𝑁𝑚−10 𝑁𝑚

¿  10 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
5B
TEACHINGS FOR
EXERCISE 5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
You can solve problems about bodies 4m 4m
resting in equilibrium by equating the
clockwise and anticlockwise moments Y

 When a rigid body is in equilibrium, the 10N 10N

resultant force in any direction is 0 (1) (2)

 The moments about any point on the

Calculate the sum of the moments acting about the point Y
object will also sum to 0
 Calculate each moment separately

10 𝑁 ×4 𝑚 ¿  40 𝑁𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
(1)    
(2) 10
  𝑁 × 4 𝑚¿   40 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 

As the moments are equal in both directions, the rod will

not turn and hence, is in equilibrium!

As the rod is fixed at Y is will not be lifted up by the

forces either!

5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
You can solve problems about bodies 2m 6m
resting in equilibrium by equating the
clockwise and anticlockwise moments Z
1N
 When a rigid body is in equilibrium, the 3N (2)
resultant force in any direction is 0 (1)

 The moments about any point on the

Calculate the sum of the moments acting about the point Z
object will also sum to 0
 Calculate each moment separately

3 𝑁 ×2 𝑚¿  6 𝑁𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
(1)    
(2) 1
  𝑁 ×6 𝑚¿  6 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 

As the moments are equal in both directions, the rod will

not turn and hence, is in equilibrium!

5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
RA RC
(1)
You can solve problems about bodies
resting in equilibrium by equating the 2m 1m
A B
clockwise and anticlockwise moments 1.5m 0.5m C

 When a rigid body is in equilibrium, the (2) “Uniform rod” = weight

resultant force in any direction is 0 20N is in the centre

As the rod is in equilibrium, the total normal reaction (spread

 The moments about any point on the across both supports) is equal to 20N (the total downward force)
object will also sum to 0
𝑅
  𝐴 + 𝑅𝐶 =20
The diagram to the right shows a uniform Take moments about C (you do not need to include R C as its
rod of length 3m and weight 20N resting distance is 0)
horizontally on supports at A and C, where
AC = 2m. (1) 2
  × 𝑅𝐴 ¿
  2𝑅𝐴  𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
(2) 0
  .5 ×20 ¿
  10 𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Calculate the magnitude of the normal
reaction at both of the supports The clockwise and anticlockwise moments must be equal for
equilibrium
This makes sense – as RC is 2  𝑅 𝐴 =10
closer to the centre of mass is Divide by 2
bearing more of the object’s 𝑅
  𝐴 =5 𝑁
weight! Use the original equation
𝑅
  𝐶 =15 𝑁 to calculate RC 5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
40g
RC 80g
2R
RDC

You can solve problems about bodies

resting in equilibrium by equating the 1m 1.5m 1.5m 1m
A B
clockwise and anticlockwise moments C E D

A uniform beam, AB, of mass 40kg and “Uniform beam” = As the reaction at
40g 80g D is bigger, the
length 5m, rests horizontally on supports weight is in the centre
man must be
at C and D where AC = DB = 1m. closer to D than C

When a man of mass 80kg stands on the The normal reactions must equal the total downward force
beam at E, the magnitude of the reaction
at D is double the reaction at C. 3  𝑅𝐶 =120 𝑔
Divide by 3
𝑅
  𝐶 =40 𝑔
By modelling the beam as a rod and the RD is double this
man as a particle, find the distance AE. 𝑅
  𝐷 =80 𝑔

5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
(1) 40g (4) 80g
You can solve problems about bodies
resting in equilibrium by equating the 1m 1.5m 1.5m 1m
A B
clockwise and anticlockwise moments C x E D

A uniform beam, AB, of mass 40kg and (2) 40g 80g (3)
length 5m, rests horizontally on supports
at C and D where AC = DB = 1m.
Let us call the required distance x (from A to E)
 Take moments about A
When a man of mass 80kg stands on the
(we could do this around any point, but this will make the
beam at E, the magnitude of the reaction
algebra easier)
at D is double the reaction at C.
(1) 1×
  40 𝑔¿  40 𝑔 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
By modelling the beam as a rod and the (2) 2.5
  × 40 𝑔¿  100 𝑔 𝑁𝑚𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
man as a particle, find the distance AE. (3) 𝑥  ×80 𝑔¿  80 𝑥𝑔 𝑁𝑚𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
(4) 4  × 80 𝑔¿  320 𝑔 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Equilibrium so anticlockwise = clockwise
So the man should 4  0 𝑔+320 𝑔¿  100 𝑔+80 𝑥𝑔 Group terms
stand 3.25m from A! 3  60 𝑔¿  100 𝑔+80 𝑥𝑔 Cancel g’s
3  60¿  100+80 𝑥 Calculate
3  .25=𝑥 5C
 Balancing Act A
pplet

Moments
(1) R0C RD

You can solve problems about bodies resting

in equilibrium by equating the clockwise and 0.5m 1.5m 1.5m 0.5m
A B
anticlockwise moments C D

A uniform rod of length 4m and mass 12kg is

resting in a horizontal position on supports at (2) 12g mg (3)
C and D, with AC = DB = 0.5m
Taking moments about D
When a particle of mass mkg is placed on the (1) 𝑇h𝑖𝑠
  𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 0 𝑎𝑠 𝑅𝐶 =0
rod at point B, the rod is on the point of
turning about D. (2) 1.5
  ×12 𝑔¿  18 𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Find the value of m.
(3) 0.5
  ×𝑚𝑔 ¿  0.5 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Although it is on the point of turning, the rod is still in
 If the rod is on the point of turning equilibrium
around D, then there will be no reaction
 Anticlockwise = clockwise The mass is 36kg
at C  More than this and
 RC = 0 18
  𝑔=¿0.5
  𝑚𝑔 Cancel g’s
the rod will turn
about D
(the rod is effectively hovering above
18=¿
  0.5
  𝑚 Multiply by 2  Less than this and

support C, about to move upwards as it 36=¿

  𝑚
  some of the normal
reaction will be at C
rotates round D)
5C
TEACHINGS FOR
EXERCISE 5D
 Moments
RM

You can solve problems about non-uniform

bodies by finding or using the centre of 1.8m 0.2m x
mass A B
C M

The mass of a non-uniform body can be (1) 25g (2) 25g 35g (3)
modelled as acting at its centre of mass
Let Sam sit ‘x’ m from the midpoint
 This means the weight of the rod may not Take moments about M (this way we don’t need to know R M)
necessarily be in the centre as it has
been so far (1) 2  ×25 𝑔¿  50 𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Sam and Tamsin are sitting on a non-uniform
(2)   0. ¿  5 𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
plank AB of mass 25kg and length 4m.
(3) 𝑥  ×35 𝑔¿  35 𝑔𝑥𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
The plank is pivoted at M, the midpoint of AB, The rod is in equilibrium so anticlockwise = clockwise
and the centre of mass is at C where AC =
1.8m. 50
  𝑔+5 𝑔=¿ 35  𝑔𝑥 Group terms
55𝑔=¿
  35
  𝑔𝑥 Cancel g’s
Tamsin has mass 25kg and sits at A. Sam has
mass 35kg. How far should Sam sit from A to 55=¿
  35  𝑥 Divide by 35
balance the plank? 1.57=¿
   𝑥
Sam should sit 3.57m from A (or 0.43m from B)
 Make sure you always read where the distance should be measured from!
5D
 Moments RC = 3RD
15N
3R
RCD 5N
RD
You can solve problems about non-
uniform bodies by finding or using the A 1m 1.5m 0.5m B
centre of mass C D

A rod AB is 3m long and has weight 20N.

It is in a horizontal position resting on 20N
supports at points C and D, where AC = Estimate where the centre of mass is on your diagram
1m and AD = 2.5m.  We can replace RC with 3R D
 Now find the normal reactions
The magnitude of the reaction at C is
three times the magnitude of the
4  𝑅 𝐷 =20
Divide by 4
reaction at D. 𝑅  𝐷 =5
𝑅  𝐶 =15
Find the distance of the centre of mass
of the rod from A.

5D
 Moments (1) (3)
15N 5N
You can solve problems about non-
uniform bodies by finding or using the A 1m 1.5m 0.5m B
centre of mass x C D

A rod AB is 3m long and has weight 20N.

It is in a horizontal position resting on 20N (2)
supports at points C and D, where AC = Now take moments about A, calling the required distance ‘x’
1m and AD = 2.5m. (You’ll find it is usually easiest to do this from the end of the rod!)
(1) 1×
  15¿  15 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
The magnitude of the reaction at C is
three times the magnitude of the (2) 𝑥  ×20 ¿  20 𝑥 𝑁𝑚𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
reaction at D. (3) 2.5
  ×5¿  12.5 𝑁𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 
Equilibrium so anticlockwise = clockwise
Find the distance of the centre of mass
of the rod from A. 15+12.5=¿
  20
  𝑥 Group terms
27.5=¿
  20
  𝑥 Calculate
1.38=¿
   𝑥

The centre of mass is 1.38m from A

5D
 Summary
• We have learnt that moments are turning forces

• We have learnt how to solve problems involving

several moments

• We have seen how to solve problems involving rods

being in equilibrium

• We have also seen how to find the centre of mass

if a rod is non-uniform