Moments | A-level Physics | OCR, AQA, Edexcel

Principle of Moments

To have no translational acceleration, all forces must be balanced.

Unbalanced moments

Can lead to rotational motion.

Clockwise moments

Balance with anti-clockwise moments for no rotation.

Application of Principle of Moments

Forces applied in the same direction cancel out turning effects.

Net moment

Created by forces applied in opposite directions for rotation.

Equilibrium

Clockwise moments equal anti-clockwise moments.

Problem Solving

Using the Principle of Moments to find unknown quantities in equilibrium situations.

Calculations

Involving clockwise and anti-clockwise moments for equilibrium.

Equating Moments

Clockwise moments equal anti-clockwise moments for balance.

Center of Mass

Can be away from the center in an irregular rod, causing tilting towards the side with the center of mass.

Finding Center of Mass

Principle of moments helps find the center of mass in irregular objects.