Chapter 4 - Turning Effects

Moment of a force

The turning effect of a force about a pivot, dependent on the size of the force and the distance from the pivot.

Pivot

The fixed point around which an object turns.

Equilibrium

A state in which all forces and moments acting on an object are balanced, resulting in no net movement.

Principle of moments

An object is balanced when clockwise and anticlockwise moments are equal.

Anticlockwise moment

The turning effect that tends to rotate an object in a counterclockwise direction.

Clockwise moment

The turning effect that tends to rotate an object in a clockwise direction.

Center of gravity

The point where the weight of an object is concentrated and where the force of gravity acts.

Force (N)

A push or pull acting on an object, measured in newtons.

Distance from pivot (m)

The perpendicular distance from the pivot point to the line of action of the force, measured in meters.