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TOPIC- MOMENT
GRADE- IGCSE

Name…………………………………………………………Section……………..…date……………………..………………

Q1. A horizontal pole is attached to the side of a building. There is a pivot P at the wall and a chain is
connected from the end of the pole to a point higher up the wall.

There is a tension force F in the chain.

What is the moment of the force F about the pivot P?

A Fxd
B Fxh
C Fxl
D Fxs

Q2. A load is to be moved using a wheelbarrow. The total mass of the load and wheelbarrow is 60 kg.
The gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg.

What is the size of force F needed just to lift the loaded wheelbarrow?

A 350 N
B 430 N
C 600 N
D 840 N

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Q3 The diagram shows sections of four objects of equal mass. The position of the centre of mass of
each object has been marked with a cross.
Which object is the most stable?

Q4. A tractor is being used on rough ground.

What is the safest position for its centre of mass?

Q5. A plane lamina is freely suspended from point P.

The weight of the lamina is 2.0 N and the centre of mass is at C.

The lamina is displaced to the position shown. What is the moment that will cause the lamina to
swing?

A 0.60 N m clockwise
B 0.80 N m anticlockwise
C 1.0 N m clockwise
D 1.0 N m anticlockwise

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Q6. The stability of a bus is tested by tilting it on a ramp. The diagram shows a bus that is just about
to topple over.
Where is the centre of mass of the bus?

Q7. The diagram shows a boy of weight 500 N sitting on a see-saw. He sits 2.0 m from the pivot.

What is the force F needed to balance the see-saw?

A 250N
B 750 N
C 1000 N
D 3000 N

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Q8.An empty glass is placed on a join between two tables as shown. The glass remains stable.
Which point is the centre of mass of the glass?

Q9. When two blocks X and Y are placed on a uniform beam, the beam balances on a pivot at its
centre as shown.

What does this show about X and Y?

A They have the same mass and the same density.
B They have the same mass and the same weight.
C They have the same volume and the same density.
D They have the same volume and the same weight.

Q10. What are the conditions for equilibrium?

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Q11. The diagram shows four objects standing on a flat surface.

The centre of mass of each object is marked M.
Which object will fall over?

Q12. The diagram shows a wheelbarrow and its load, which have a total weight of 150 N. This is supported
by a vertical force F at the ends of the handles.

What is the value of F?

A 75 N
B 150 N
C 225 N
D 300 N

Q13. The diagrams show the cross-sections of different glasses.

Which one is the least stable when filled with a liquid?

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Q14. If a nut and bolt are difficult to undo, it may be easier to turn the nut by using a longer spanner. This is
because the longer spanner gives
A. a large turning moment.
B. a smaller turning moment
C. less friction
D. more friction.

Q15 A heavy beam is resting on two supports, so that there are three forces acting on it.

The beam is in equilibrium.

Which statement is correct?

A. All the forces are equal in value.

B. The forces are in one direction and their turning effects are in the opposite direction.
C. The resultant force is zero and the resultant turning effect is zero.
D. The total upward force is twice the total downward force.

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1.

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10

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Q1 Fig. 1.1 shows a uniform plank AB of length 2.0 m suspended from two ropes X and Y.

Fig. 1.1

The weight W of the plank is 210 N. The force in rope X is P. The force in rope Y is Q.
(a) State, in terms of P, the moment of force P about B.

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Calculate:
(i) the moment of W about B

moment = ..................................................................[2]

(ii) the force P

force P = .................................................................. [2]

(iii) the force Q.

force Q = ..................................................................[2]

[Total: 7]

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Q2 (a) A stationary object is acted upon by a number of forces.

State the conditions which must be true if the object
(i) does not accelerate,

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) does not rotate.

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a boat that has been lifted out of a river. The boat is suspended by two ropes. It is stationary.

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

The weight of the boat, acting at the center of mass, is 24 kN. The tensions in the ropes are T1 and T2.
Determine
(i) the moment of the weight of the boat about the point P,

moment = .................................................................. [1]

(ii) the tension T1,

T1 = .................................................................. [3]

(iii) the tension T2.

T2 = ..................................................................[2]

[Total: 8]

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Q1 (a) State the two conditions which must be true for an object to be in equilibrium.

condition 1 ..........................................................................................................................................................................

condition 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform metre rule PQ in equilibrium.

Fig.
2.1
The distance PQ is 100 cm. The mass of the metre rule is 0.12 kg and its weight is W.
(i) On Fig 2.1, draw and label:
1. an arrow to show the force W acting on PQ at the centre of mass
2. an arrow to show the force R acting on PQ at the pivot.
[2]
(ii) By taking moments about the pivot, calculate F.

F = ................................................................ [4]

(iii) Calculate R.

R = ................................................................[2]
[Total: 10]

Q2 (a) (i) State, in words, the equation that defines the moment of a force.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]

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(ii) State what is meant by the moment of a force.

..................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Force is a vector quantity.

Explain what is meant by the term vector.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Fig. 2.1 shows a tower crane used to lift a load on a construction site.

Fig. 2.1
Explain how the counterweight prevents the crane from toppling over.

............................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 6]

Q3 Fig. 2.1 shows a sign that extends over a road.

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Fig. 2.1
The mass of the sign is 3.4 × 103 kg.
(a) Calculate the weight W of the sign.

W = ................................................................. [2]

(b) The weight of the sign acts at a horizontal distance of 1.8 m from the centre of the support
post and it produces a turning effect about point P.
Point P is a horizontal distance of 1.3 m from the centre of the support post.
(i) Calculate the moment about P due to the weight of the sign.

moment = .................................................................[3]

(ii) A concrete block is positioned on the other side of the support post with its centre of
mass a horizontal distance of 70 cm from the centre of the support post.
1. State what is meant by centre of mass.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]

2. The weight of the concrete block produces a moment about point P that exactly
cancels the moment caused by the weight W.
Calculate the weight of the concrete block.

weight = ................................................................. [2]

(c) The concrete block is removed. The sign and support post rotate about point P in a clockwise direction.
State and explain what happens to the moment about point P due to the weight of the sign as it rotates.

............................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 10]

Q4 Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform plank AB of length 2.0 m suspended from two ropes X and Y.

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Fig. 2.1
The weight W of the plank is 210 N. The force in rope X is P. The force in rope Y is Q.
(a) State, in terms of P, the moment of force P about B.

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Calculate:
(i) the moment of W about B

moment = ..................................................................[1]

(ii) the force P

force P = .................................................................. [2]

(iii) the force Q.

force Q = ..................................................................[2]
[Total: 6]

Q5 (a) Complete the statement by writing in the blank spaces.

The moment of a force about a pivot is equal to ................................................................................................................

multiplied by .......................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a horizontal rod of length 2.4 m and weight 160 N. The weight of the rod acts at its centre. The rod is
suspended by two vertical ropes X and Y. The tension in each rope is 80 N.

Fig. 3.1
(i) State the name given to the point at which the weight of the rod acts.

....................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Calculate the mass of the rod.

mass = ................................................................. [1]

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(iii) The rod is in equilibrium.

Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain why.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 7]

Q6 (a) A stationary object is acted upon by a number of forces.

State the conditions which must be true if the object
(i) does not accelerate,

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) does not rotate.

........................................................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a boat that has been lifted out of a river. The boat is suspended by two ropes. It is stationary.

Fig. 3.1 (not to scale)

The weight of the boat, acting at the centre of mass, is 24 kN. The tensions in the ropes are T1 and T2.
Determine
(i) the moment of the weight of the boat about the point P,

moment = .................................................................. [1]

(ii) the tension T1,

T1 = .................................................................. [3]

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(iii) the tension T2.

T2 = ..................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]

Q7 Two mechanics, A and B, are trying to use a two-person spanner (wrench) to loosen a nut on a large wheel. Fig. 2.1
shows the forces exerted by the two mechanics.

Fig. 2.1
Mechanic A exerts a force of 500 N at a distance of 1.2 m from nut P. Mechanic B exerts a force of 400 N at a distance of
1.2 m on the other side of nut P.
(a) Calculate the magnitude and the direction of the resultant moment exerted by the mechanics on nut P.

magnitude of resultant moment = ...............................................................

direction ...............................................................
[4]
(b) Mechanic B reverses the direction of the 400 N force that he exerts on the spanner.
Mechanic A continues to exert the same force of 500 N downwards.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the new resultant moment exerted by the mechanics.

magnitude of resultant moment = .................................................................. [1]

(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force now exerted by the mechanics on the spanner.

force = ..................................................................[1]
[Total: 6]

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Q8 (a) Fig. 4.1 shows a top view of a tourist vehicle in a game park and two elephants pushing against the vehicle. The
two forces indicated are at right angles to each other.

Fig. 4.1
In the space below, draw a scale vector diagram to determine the magnitude of the resultant
force. Label the two forces applied and the resultant, and clearly state the scale you use.

magnitude of resultant force =.................................................................. [3]

(b) Fig. 4.2 shows another elephant pushing horizontally against a vehicle with a force of 11 kN at
a distance 1.8 m above the ground. Point M is the centre of mass of the vehicle.

Fig. 4.2
(i) Calculate the moment about point A of the force exerted by the elephant.

moment = .................................................................. [2]

(ii) The mass of the vehicle is 1900 kg, and it does not slide when pushed by the elephant.
Determine whether the elephant tips the vehicle over. Show your working.
calculation

conclusion ..........................................................................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 7]

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Q9 (a) Complete the following statement.

An object is in equilibrium when both the .................................................................................and the

................................................................................................................................... on the object are zero. [2]

(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a ladder AB. End A of the ladder rests against a vertical wall. End B rests on rough ground.

Fig. 3.1
Fig. 3.1 shows two of the forces acting on the ladder. The only force on the ladder at A is F, which acts at right-angles to
the wall. The weight of the ladder is 240 N acting at the centre of mass of the ladder.
(i) 1. Calculate the moment of the weight of the ladder about point B.

moment = ................................................................[1]

2. Write an expression, in terms of F, for the moment of F about point B.

moment = ................................................................[1]

(ii) Use your answers from (i) to calculate F.

F = ................................................................ [2]

(iii) Explain why there must be an upwards force acting on the ladder at B.

............................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 7]

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2 Four objects are each acted on by only two forces, as shown.

Which object is in equilibrium?

A B C D

1.0 N 2.0 N 3.0 N 4.0 N

2.0 N 2.0 N 2.0 N 4.0 N

6 The diagram shows an object of weight W and an object of weight Z balanced on a uniform metre
rule.

a b
object of object of
weight W 50 cm mark weight Z

pivot
metre rule

Which equation relating to W, Z, a and b is correct?

W Z
A b
a

W×Z=a×b
B
C W×a=Z×b

D W × (a + b) = Z

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8 The diagram shows a handle with three forces, each 100 N, applied to it. The handle is free to
move.

100 N

100 N

100 N

handle
pivot

What is the effect of the forces on the handle?

A The handle will move downwards.

B The handle will not move.
C The handle will turn anticlockwise (to the left).
D The handle will turn clockwise (to the right).

11 Five identical bags of rice are balanced on a uniform beam by an object of mass 10 kg.

five bags
of rice 10 kg

pivot

Two more identical bags of rice are added to the other five. The average position of the bags on
the beam does not change.

What mass now balances the bags?

A 3.5 kg B 7.0 kg C 12 kg D 14 kg

15 The diagram shows four objects on a flat surface.

The centre of mass of each object is marked M.

Which object is about to fall over?

A B C D

M M M

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9 The diagrams show four objects A, B, C and D. The centre of mass M of each object is marked
on the diagrams.

Which object is not in equilibrium?

A B C D

M
M
M M

10 The diagram shows an L-shaped piece of card suspended freely from a pin at B.

When the card is pushed, it swings and then comes to a stop in the position shown.

At which labelled point is the centre of mass of the card?

card suspended
from here
A
B

D
C

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1 Fig. 2.1 shows a mobile bird sculpture that has been created by an artist.

tail

bird sculpture

pivot

M hole in sculpture E
for pivot

12 cm 30 cm

Fig. 2.1

M is the centre of mass of the bird sculpture, including its tail (but not including the
counter-weight that will be added later). The mass of the bird and tail is 1.5 kg.

The bird sculpture is placed on a pivot.

The artist adds the counter-weight at the end E of the tail so that the bird remains stationary
in the position shown.

(a) Calculate the mass of the counter-weight.

mass = ......................................................... [2]

(b) The centre of mass of the sculpture with counter-weight is at the pivot.

Calculate the upward force acting at the pivot.

force = ......................................................... [1]

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(c) The sculpture is rotated clockwise to the position shown in Fig. 2.2. It is held still, then
carefully released.

pivot

counter-weight

Fig. 2.2

(i) State whether the sculpture will stay in that position, rotate further clockwise or
rotate back anticlockwise.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

(ii) Explain your answer to (i).

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................
[3]

[Total: 6]

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