Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

The turning effect of a force is called a “moment”. We work it out

using
Moment = Force x Distance
(Nm) (N) (m)i
The force must be in Newtons (N), the distance in metres (m), and
we measure moments in “Newton Metres”(Nm). Sometimes the
distance may be in (cm) in test questions so BE CAREFUL! SHOW
ALL YOUR WORKINGS.

Answer these :-

1. What is the moment of this force ?

_______________________________ 2 metres

_______________________________
pivot 6 Newtons

_____________________________________________________________

2. What is the moment of this force?

1.5 metres
_______________________________

_______________________________ pivot 3 Newtons

_____________________________________________________________

Happy with these? Continue to next page.

Need more practice? Ask for support sheet A.

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

For a see-saw to balance, the moments on each side must be the

same. For each of these, write “balanced” or “unbalanced”.

10kg
10N 5N
5kg
4.
3. 1m 2m

4. 5. 10kg
20N 15kg
15N

12m 8m

5. 6.
20kg
20N 15kg
15N

8m 11m

2kg
2N 3kg
3N
6. 7.
8m 5m

Calculate the moments for the following stating which way the
seesaws with tip (clockwise or anticlockwise). Show your working.

7. _______________________
2N 4m 3m 2N
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________

_______________________
8. 2N 0.75m 4m 0.5N
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________

Happy with these? Ask for extension sheet A.

Need more practice? Ask for support sheet B.

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

Levers
Identify the pivots and the direction of the force in each of these
examples.

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

Let’s solve a problem

A mechanic pushes on a spanner with a force of 50N. He pushes on

the spanner 40cm from the end of
the spanner.

a) Write the force and the

distance on your diagram
b) Calculate the moment of
the force using this
information.

c) (i) Would the moment be bigger or smaller if he used a longer

spanner? ________________________

(ii) Explain your answer to part (i).

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

__________________

Happy with this and want a challenge? Ask for extension sheet B

Struggling with this? Ask for support sheet C.

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Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

Form an equation to find anticlockwise and clockwise moments.

Find W.

Find F2

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

Determine if the system is in equilibrium or not and state the

direction of rotation.

Find the clockwise moment

Determine if the system is in equilibrium or not and state the

direction of rotation.

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 Moments and Levers 20/01/2023

Determine if the system is in equilibrium or not and state the

direction of rotation.