AQA GCSE Physics 8463
Atomic Structure
Electricity
Energy
Forces
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Particle Model of Matter
Space Physics
Waves
Forces
Moments, levers and gears
- 3 things to know
- Paper 2
Overview
Turning effects and how a spanner turns a nut, the moment of a force in words and symbols with its units and the perpendicular distance, why a force through the pivot has no turning effect, balancing about a pivot with seesaw and beam calculations, and how levers and gears transmit the rotational effects of forces.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
A force of 20 N acts at a perpendicular distance of 0.30 m from a pivot. Calculate the moment.
Write the equation for the moment of a force using symbols.
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What can a force or a system of forces make an object do as well as move in a straight line?
Model answer
It can make the object rotate.
- 2
Explain how a spanner makes a nut turn.
Model answer
The force applied at the end of the spanner acts at a distance from the nut, so it produces a turning effect about the nut.
- 3
What is the moment of a force?
Model answer
It is the turning effect of that force.
- 4
State the equation for the moment of a force, in words.
Model answer
Moment of a force = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
- 5
A force of 20 N acts at a perpendicular distance of 0.30 m from a pivot. Calculate the moment.
Model answer
Moment = 20 × 0.30 = 6 N·m.
- 6
Write the equation for the moment of a force using symbols.
Model answer
M = Fd, where M is the moment, F is the force and d is the perpendicular distance from the pivot.
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