Turning Effect of Force

Turning Effect of Force

by Past Papers Inside
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The turning effect of a force is known as the moment. It is the product of the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the pivot or point where the object will turn.

When undoing a nut fastened to a screw by hand one realizes that the amount of force required is a lot greater than when undoing the same nut using a spanner. The spanner increases the distance between the fulcrum and the line of action of the force, thus for the same force a greater moment is obtained.

fulcrum distancefulcrum

SMALL MOMENT
The distance from the fulcrum to the line of action of force is very small
LARGE MOMENT
The distance from the fulcrum to the line of action of force is large

 

Read also: Transfer of Thermal Energy

 

Principle of Moments

Principle of Moments

The principle of moments states that when in equilibrium the total sum of the anti-clockwise moment is equal to the total sum of the clockwise moment.

When a system is stable or balance it is said to be in equilibrium as all the forces acting on the system cancel each other out.

 In equilibrium

Total Anticlockwise Moment = Total Clockwise Moment

This principle can be explained by considering two people on a seesaw.

Moments Acting on A Seesaw

Both people exert a downward force on the seesaw due to their weights.

Person A’s weight is trying to turn the seesaw anticlockwise whilst person B’s weight is trying to turn the seesaw clockwise.

Person A’s Moment = Force x perpendicular distance from fulcrum

1000 x 1 = 1000 Nm

 

ntent -->

Person B’s Moment = Force x perpendicular distance from fulcrum

500   x 2   = 1000 Nm

Persons A’s moment = Persons B’s Moment
Anticlockwise moment = Clockwise moment

Therefore, seesaw is in equilibrium.

clock wise

Moment = F x d

F: Force applied

d: Perpendicular distance from the force to the pivot

 

 

  • In equilibrium, total clockwise moments = total anti-clockwise moments about the same pivot.
  • Clockwise = Anti-Clockwise

Centre of Gravity

  • Defined as the point whereby the entire weight of the object works and is equivalent for all directions.
  • Note: the CG doesn’t have to be inside the object (e.g. Donut)
  • A lower CG increases model stability
  • The targets are more robust with a greater base region
  • How can the CG be located and where can it be found?

Read also: Practical Electricity

 

Stability: 

  • secure equilibrium: after a little displacement, the object returns to its original location
  • The Neutral Balance: The subject is in the same position though it has been marginally displaced
  • Towards precarious balance: the object overturns after it has shifted very

 

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