Turning Effect

Force produces an effect to turn an object is called turning effect.

It is also called moment.

 Define Moment
The moment of a force is the product of the force F and the perpendicular distance d
from the pivot to the line of action of the force.

In Symbols , Moment of a force = F x d

Where F= force (in N)
d = perpendicular distance
from the pivot (in m)

 The SI unit of the moment of a force is the newton metre (Nm)

 The moment of a force is a vector quantity.
 To describe the moment of a force , we need to state its
magnitude ,which has an SI unit of Nm
direction ,which can be either clockwise or anticlockwise
 The Moment of a force can be clockwise or
anticlockwise

pivot pivot

Anticlockwise moment
about the pivot Clockwise moment
about the pivot
 Two factors determine the
turning effect(Moment)
 The size of Force : The Greater Force ,The greater moment.

 The perpendicular distance from the pivot : The Longer distance , the greater
moment .

 A spanner uses the turning effect of forces to loosen a tight nut.

 Longer spanner produces greater moment than shorter spanner with same
force.
 The Principle of moment

When a body is in equilibrium ,the sum of clockwise moments about a pivot is equal to
the sum of anticlockwise moments about the same pivot.

Hence , from the Principle of moments ,

Total Clockwise Moments = Total anticlockwise Moments

 We can use the Principle of moments to calculate the unknown mass of an

object.
The diagram shows a uniform ruler balanced at the centre by a hanging string
and supporting 2 objects .What is the weight of X ?

20 cm 25 cm

Sum of clockwise moments =

X
Sum of anticlockwise moments
4 x 25 = W x 20
Therefore , W = 100 / 20
=5N
W 4N
 To demonstrate the Principle of moments
Conclusion : The anticlockwise moments are
equal to the clockwise moments .hence principle of
moments is verified.
• Set up the apparatus as shown in Fig .
• The metre rule is balanced with the knife
edge at 50 cm mark.
• Suspend two slotted weights with the
strings on either sides of pivot from the
metre rule .
• Balance the metre rule by adjusting the
distances d1 and d2.
• Vary distance d1 and therefore changes
d2 .the system is balanced for several
times. Now record all the readings and
calculate the anticlockwise moment .(W1
x d1 )and clockwise moment (w2 x d2 ) for
each set of readings d1 and d2.