Moments

LOL

What is the definition of a moment?

equal to the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance between the line of action and the pivot. (M = F x d)

What is a pivot?

A point about which an object is able to rotate

What is a line of action (LOA)

• an imaginary line which is collinear with the force vector

• ‘line along which the force is acting’

Which directions can moments turn in?

They can turn clockwise or anticlockwise

What is a couple?

Two coplanar forces acting in opposite direction on the same object, that do not pass through the same point.

What is the principle of moments.

For an object to be in equilibrium, the sum of the clockwise moments about a point must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same point.