Moments and Levers

The turning effect or moment of a force is dependent on both the size of

the force and how far it is applied from the pivot or fulcrum.

Moment of Force = Force x Perpendicular distance from fulcrum

Units = Newton metres (Nm)

E.G.
Gate A: A force (F) is
acting on the gate at
the edge.

Gate B: A force (F) is

acting on the gate at
the centre.

In a): Moment of force about O = 5N x 3m

= 15Nm

In b): Moment of force about O = 5N x 1.5m

= 7.5Nm

This shows that the turning effect of F is greater in a) than in b).

This, therefore, agrees with the fact that a gate will open more easily if
pulled or pushed at the edge.
 Law of Moments

Gravity exerts forces

F1 and F2 on the masses
m1 and m2 at distances
d1 and d2.

F1 is trying to turn the object anticlockwise. (F1 x d1 = the moment)

F2 is trying to turn the object clockwise. (F2 x d2 = the moment)

When the object is in balance we say it is in equilibrium.

If the object is balanced (in equilibrium) then:

The anticlockwise moment should equal the clockwise moment.

F1 x d 1 = F 2 x d 2

The Law of Moments AKA the Law of the Lever states:

When an object or body is in equilibrium the sum of the clockwise moments

about any point equals the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same
point.
Worked Example

The see-saw balances when Susan (320N) sits at A, Tom, weighing 540N,
sits at B and Harry, weighing
W, sits at C. Find W.

Anticlockwise Moment:
(320N x 3m) + (540N x 1m) = 1500Nm

Clockwise Moment:
W x 3m

Clockwise Moments = Anticlockwise Moments

W x 3m = 1500Nm

W = 1500Nm/3m

W = 500N.

Complete Worksheet
 Moments and Levers Worksheet

1. The diagram below shows 2 half-metre rules that are marked off at
5cm intervals and IDENTICAL metal discs are placed on the rules as
shown.

In each case state whether the rules will turn anticlockwise, clockwise
or remain in the horizontal position.

SHOW YOUR WORKING

2. The metre rule in the diagram below is supported at its centre.

If the rule is balanced, the respective values of x and y are:

A 3cm (x) 5cm (y) B 5cm (x) 3cm (y)

C 6cm (x) 10cm (y) D 12cm (x) 20cm (y)
Sow your working and give your answers in Ncm.
3.

In the above diagrams the distance AC = CB.

Calculate in both cases the force X which is keeping the system stationary.
Levers

Any device that can turn about a pivot is known as a lever.

A force called the effort is used to overcome the resisting force (the load).

The pivotal point is called the fulcrum.

Examples of Levers

If we use a bar to move a heavy rock, our hands apply the effort and the
load is the force exerted by the rock.

E.G.
If the distances from the fulcrum O are shown and the load is given
(1000N), the effort required can be calculated using the Law of Moments.
 Clockwise moment = Anticlockwise moment

Effort x 200cm = 1000N x 10cm

Therefore: effort = 10 000Ncm = 50N

200cm

In effect using the bar to move the rock magnifies the effort 20 times but
the effort must move further than the load.

Conditions for Equilibrium

If a number of parallel forces act on a body/object so that it is in

equilibrium, we can say:

a) The sum of the forces in one direction equals the sum of the forces in
the opposite direction.

b) The Law of Moments must apply.

E.G. 2 painter/decorators weighing 500N and 700N respectively stand on a

plank of wood at positions A and B.

The plank is resting on 2 trestles (supports) and weighs 400N.

The trestles exert upward forces, P and Q, on the plank (known as

reactions).
Calculate the upward forces P and Q.

From a) The sum of the forces in one direction equals the sum of the forces
in the opposite direction.

Therefore: P + Q = 500N + 400N + 700N

= 1600N

Taking the moment at C gets rid of any moments due to Q.

Clockwise Moment = P x 4m

Anticlockwise Moment = (500N x 5m) + (400N x 2m) + (700N x 1m)

= 4000Nm

Clockwise Moment = Anticlockwise Moment

Therefore: P x 4m = 4000Nm
P = 4000Nm
4m

P = 1000N

Q = 1600 – 1000
Q = 600N