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Bodies in stable equilibrium (such as these spinning tops) return to their original position after being displaced slightly.

Forces - Forces and Turning Effects

Learn how forces cause turning effects, from seesaws and doors to spanners, and practise calculating moments, pivots and balance in this GCSE Physics quiz.

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Fascinating Fact:

When an object is balanced, the total clockwise moment about a pivot equals the total anticlockwise moment.

In GCSE Physics, you learn how forces create turning effects around pivots. You will calculate moments, use the principle of moments to decide when objects balance, and apply ideas to levers and everyday systems.

Key Terms

Moment: The turning effect of a force about a pivot, calculated as force multiplied by perpendicular distance from the pivot.
Pivot: The fixed point about which an object turns, such as the hinge of a door or the support of a seesaw.
Lever: A rigid bar that turns about a pivot, allowing a smaller force to move a larger load by using distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a moment in GCSE Physics?

In GCSE Physics, a moment is the turning effect of a force about a pivot. It is calculated using the formula moment = force × perpendicular distance, and is measured in newton metres (Nm).

How do you calculate the turning effect of a force?

To calculate the turning effect, or moment, you multiply the size of the force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force, using metres and newtons.

How can you tell when an object is balanced on a pivot?

An object is balanced on a pivot when the total clockwise moments equal the total anticlockwise moments and the centre of mass is positioned above the pivot, giving no net turning effect.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is the turning effect of forces?

A moment

A while

An hour

A day

You can investigate moments using a ruler suspended from a clamp stand

2 .

What is the formula for a moment?

Moment = F x d

F = M x d

d = F x M

Moment = 2F x d

F (force) is measured in newtons

3 .

In the above equation, what does d represent?

Distance of a beam

Distance from the line of action of the force to another force

Distance from the line of action of the force to the pivot

Distance to the pivot from the line of action of the force and back again

Measured in metres

4 .

What is a moment measured in?

N m

N/m

A moment is measured in newton metres if the force is in newtons and the distance measured in metres

5 .

What is the centre of mass of an object?

It is a point on the object where the whole weight of the object seems to act

It is the central point of an object

It is a point just above the top of an object

The centre of mass of an object is never found at a point on an object

For an object which has its weight evenly distributed, this will be along a line of symmetry

6 .

What is stability?

The ability of an object to maintain its original position

An object which will oscillate around a point after being displaced but will never come to rest

An object which continues to move away from its position after being displaced

None of the above

Tilting an object creates a moment

7 .

Which statement is true for a body in stable equilibrium?

It continues to move away from its original position after being displaced

It returns to its original position after being displaced slightly

Both of the above

Neither of the above

The edge of the object acts as the pivot

8 .

Which statement is true for a body in unstable equilibrium?

It returns to its original position after being displaced slightly

It continues to move away from its original position after being displaced

Both of the above

Neither of the above

When the imaginary perpendicular line joining the centre of mass to the centre of the Earth is outside of the base of the object, the moment created makes the object fall over

9 .

How can the stability of an object be increased?

Lower its centre of mass

Increase the area of its base

Both of the above

Neither of the above

The lower an object's centre of mass is to the floor, the more stable it will be. A larger base will also ensure the tipping point for an object is increased

10 .

If the total clockwise moment around a pivot is 10 N m and the total moment about a pivot is zero, what is the size of the anticlockwise moment?

1 N m

5 N m

10 N m

20 N m

According to the principle of moments, when the total moment is zero, the anticlockwise and clockwise moments must be equal

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Moment of a force

Author: Martin Moore