TOPIC 4b: Turning Effect of Forces.

Lesson Objectives
No Objectives R A G
Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give
1
everyday examples
Define the moment of a force as moment = force × perpendicular distance
2
from the pivot; recall and use this equation

3 State and use the principle of moments for an object in equilibrium

4 Describe an experiment to verify the principle of moments

5 State what is meant by centre of gravity

Describe how to determine the position of the centre of gravity of a plane
6
lamina using a plumb line
Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of the centre of gravity on
7
the stability of simple objects

Concept Map

4.4
4.4 Turning Effects of Forces
1. Below is a lever fixed at one point, P, called the pivot or the fulcrum
When a force is applied at either end as shown,

the beam turns either in clockwise direction or anticlockwise direction

The force produces a turning effect.
The turning effect is called moment of the force about P.

2. Moment of a force about a point

= force x perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the point

c. Example 1 : 10 N
50 cm

P 30 cm

40 cm

Moment of the 10N force about the point P

= 10N x __________ (perpendicular distance from line of action of force) = _____________________________

Example:

4.5
Exercises

1. The weight of the wheelbarrow is 500N. Calculate

F= 300N

a. the weight’s moment about the pivot b. F’s moment about the pivot

2. A boy uses a metal rod and a small stone to move a large heavy rock as shown.
Using moment, explain where he should apply his force in order to lift the rock with the least effort.

3. Figure below shows Syaziq using a spanner for tightening a nut.

0.30 m
12.0 N

Syaziq applies a force of 12.0 N to the spanner at a perpendicular distance of 0.30 m

from the centre of the nut.
a. Calculate the moment this force produces about the nut.

b. If Syaziq applies 12.0 N at an angle to the spanner instead of perpendicular to it, how would the
moment produced change? Suggest a reason for your answer.

4.6
4.5 Principle of Moments
Look at boy A and boy B on a seesaw.
A
B

Boy A’s weight is 3 times boy B’s weight.

Boy B can still balance boy A on the seesaw. Why?
This can be explained using moments:
Moment of boy A’s weight = A’s weight x distance from the line of action of his weight to the pivot
= (_______________moment)
Moment of boy B’s weight = B’s weight x distance from the line of action of his weight to the pivot
= (_______________ moment)

Boy A and boy B manage to balance each other

because the _____________ moment is equal to the _________________________ moment.

Principle of Moments
Principle of Moments states that when a body is balanced, the sum of its clockwise moments is equal to the
sum of its anticlockwise moments

4.7
Moment (turning effect) of forces in every day life
Examples of machines making use of moments:

1. To turn a nut more easily (with less force)

A longer spanner is used because it can produce a large moment with less force.

2. To move a heavy load with less force

Apply the force further from the pivot,

because this can produce a larger moment.

3. Cranes

load

The concrete block acts as a counter-weight. The concrete block

a. produces an equal and opposite moment to balance the moment produced by the load
b. is moveable so that it can produce different moments to lift different loads

4. Railway crossing barrier

counterweight

Why is the counterweight necessary?

The counterweight produces an anticlockwise moment to lift the barrier.

4.8
4.6 Centre of Mass

a. Centre of mass of a body is also called centre of gravity.

This is the point at which its whole weight acts.

b. The centre of gravity of a regularly shaped object is exactly at the middle of the object.

A uniform rod A sphere A cube

a. The centre of gravity of irregular objects.

Aim: To determine the centre of mass of a lamina.

Apparatus: Lamina, retort stand, plumbline.

A lamina is an object with a flat surface.

Procedure:
1. Make three holes near the edge of the lamina. The holes should be as far apart as possible from one
another.
2. Suspend the lamina through one of the holes using a pin.
3. Hang a plumbline on the pin in front of the lamina.
4. When a plumbline is steady, draw a line on the lamina over the plumbline.
5. Repeat the above for the other two holes.
6. The point of intersection of the three lines is the position of the centre of mass.

Precautions.
1. The holes must be small so that not too much of the lamina is removed.
2. The lamina should be free to swing about its point of suspension.

4.9
 4.7Stability and Centre of Gravity
A structure remains stable as long as the line of action lies within its base.

If the centre of mass is at A or B, the bus ___________________________________

If the centre of mass is at C, the bus _______________________________________
If the centre of mass is at D, the bus _______________________________________

The stability of a body is increased by having

1. wider base
2. lower centre of gravity

A lower centre of gravity can be achieved by having a wider base

G b. Shape _______ is more stable because

1. it has _____________________________
2. it has _____________________________
G
A B

c. This is a highly unstable stool.

It can be made more stable by
(i) ___________________________________
(ii) ___________________________________

4.10
d. Everyday objects make use of the stability concept:
a. A retort stand has a wide heavy base
b. A sumo wrestler stands with body lowered and legs wide apart
c. Racing cars are low, with wheels wide apart
d. A wine glass containing wine is less stable
e. Standing up in a small boat makes it less stable
f. A double decker bus is less stable if all its passengers sit upstairs
g. A lorry is more unstable when it is loaded

Example:
1. A wooden window frame is balanced on a thin rod as shown.

In which of the following would the window frame balances itself?

A B C D

2. Explain which of the containers is

a. the most stable

b. the least stable

4.11
Lesson Objectives
 What is the moments of a force?
 What are the direction for moments?
 State units of moments
 Formula for moments
 Principle of moments
 Describe experiment to verify principle of moments
 Describe experiment to find centre of mass of a lamina
 Factors affecting stability

4.12