Turning Forces: Moments in Physics
1. Definition and Principle
● Moment Turning Force):
The moment is the measure of a force's ability to cause an object to rotate about a fixed
point, called a pivot (or fulcrum).123456
● Pivot Fulcrum):
The pivot is the point around which rotation occurs—for example:
o Door hinges (pivot) and handle (point of force application)
o Seesaws (pivot in the middle)
o Spanners (pivot at bolt center)
● Clockwise and Anticlockwise Moments:
The direction of the moment depends on whether the force causes clockwise or
anticlockwise rotation.34576
2. Equation & Units
������ = ����� (�� �) × ������������� �������� (�� �) ���� �����
● Force F measured in Newtons N
● Distance (d): the shortest (perpendicular) distance from pivot to line of action of force, in
meters (m)
● Moment: measured in newton-metres N·m
Examples:
● Opening a door is easier if the force is applied farther from the hinges; less force is
required the farther you are from the pivot.2
3. Law of Moments & Balancing
● To achieve equilibrium, for an object like a seesaw to balance, the moments about the
pivot must be equal and opposite:
��������� ������ = ������������� ������
�1 × �1 = �2 × �2
Example:
If two people sit on either side of a seesaw at different distances from the pivot, the heavier
person sits nearer so their moment matches the lighter, farther person.56
4. Factors Affecting Moment
● Magnitude of Force: Larger force → larger moment.
● Distance from Pivot: Larger distance → larger moment (for same force).
● Perpendicular Distance: Only the perpendicular component counts. Forces must be
perpendicular to the lever for maximum effect.2
5. Application and Practical Examples
● Everyday Mechanics:
o Doors: It is easier to open a door by pushing at the handle than near the hinges.
o Wrenches: Turning a bolt is easier with a longer wrench.
o Seesaws: Balancing involves matching moments on both sides.
o Scissors & Tongs: These act as pairs of levers with pivots in between.
● Engineering:
o Bridge design: Moments are considered to ensure structures remain in equilibrium.
o Automotive systems: Torque (a rotating moment) influences engine and wheel
performance.8
● Industrial Machinery:
o Presses, cranes, and wind turbines: Utilize moments and torque for functioning.8
6. Worked Problems and Calculations
Example 1 Door Opening
A pulling force of 35 � is needed to open a door; the handle is 0. 8 � from the hinges:
������ = 35 × 0. 8 = 28 �·�
Example 2 Seesaw Balancing
Marcus 600 N) is 2 � from pivot.
Arun 800 N) must exert the same moment:
600 × 2 = 1200 �·� 1200/800 = 1. 5 �
7. Pressure Forces distributed over Area)
Definition
Pressure is the measure of how a force is distributed over an area.
�����
�������� = ����
2
● Unit: �/� (also Pascal, Pa)
● Smaller areas: As area decreases, pressure increases—for example, pins, nails, knife
edges.
Examples:
● Elephant standing:
2
Weight (50, 000 �), area (0. 4 � )
2
Pressure = 125, 000 �/�
● Bed of nails: Pressure is distributed across many points, so no single nail receives enough
to puncture skin.
● Camels: Wide feet lower pressure on sand.
8. Pressure in Liquids and Gases
Liquids
● Pressure increases with depth due to weight of liquid above.
● Dam walls are thicker at the base to withstand higher water pressure.
Gases
● Caused by collisions of moving particles with container walls.
● Increasing the number of particles increases pressure (e.g., blowing up a balloon).
2
● At sea level: atmospheric pressure ≈ 100, 000 �/�
● Higher temperature = faster-moving particles = higher pressure (e.g., pressure cooker).
Calculations
2
Box has 60 N weight and 0.5 m² base:�������� = 60/0. 5 = 120 �/�
2
● Car supported by 4 tyres, area per tyre 150 �� :
Find pressure per tyre using force divided by area.
9. Practical Investigations
Moments Experiment
● Setup: Metre rule, forcemeter, clamp stand, elastic band.
● Change distance from pivot, measure force needed to achieve the same rotation.
● Conclusion: Larger distance = smaller required force.
Pressure Experiment
● Draw outline of foot, measure area.
● Calculate pressure standing on both feet, one foot, or toes.
● Predict and explain pressure changes.
Pressure in Liquids
● Use bottle with holes at different heights.
● Observe water jets: lower holes, deeper water → larger pressures.
Pressure and Temperature in Gases
● Seal bottle, move from warm to cold place. Observe changes in volume due to pressure
change.
10. Key Vocabulary
● Moment: Turning effect of force (�·�)
● Pivot/Fulcrum: Point of rotation
● Lever: Object rotating about pivot
● Force: Push or pull (�)
2 2 2
● Area: Surface space (� , �� , �� )
2
● Pressure: Force per area (�/� )
● Torque: Rotational moment (often in dynamic situations)
● Equilibrium: State where clockwise and anticlockwise moments are balanced
11. Summary Checklists
● Can differentiate between moments and torque; understand their application.8
● Remember the formula for moments and calculate for different scenarios.
● Recognize how pressure works, how it is calculated and why it matters in everyday
situations.
● Predict outcomes when variable changes (distance, force, area, pressure, temperature).
