Moments
A force, or several forces, can cause an object to rotate. The turning effect of a force is called its moment. The size of the moment of the force is given by:
M=Fd, Moment of a force=force x distance
The force on the spanner causes a turning effect or moment on the nut. A larger force or a longer distance would mean a larger moment
To get the maximum moment you need to push at right angles to the spanner. Pushing at any other angle means a smaller distance, and so a smaller moment
Levers increase the distance from the pivot at which the force is applied. Since M=Fd this means less force is needed to get the same moment. This means levers make it easier to do work
Gears are circular discs with ‘teeth’ around their edges
Their teeth interlock so that turning one causes another to turn, in the opposite direction
They are used to transmit the rotational effect of a force from one place to another
Different sized gears can be used to change the moment of the force. A force transmitted to a larger gear will cause a bigger moment, as the distance to pivot is greater
The larger gear will turn slower than the smaller gear
A force, or several forces, can cause an object to rotate. The turning effect of a force is called its moment. The size of the moment of the force is given by:
M=Fd, Moment of a force=force x distance
The force on the spanner causes a turning effect or moment on the nut. A larger force or a longer distance would mean a larger moment
To get the maximum moment you need to push at right angles to the spanner. Pushing at any other angle means a smaller distance, and so a smaller moment
Levers increase the distance from the pivot at which the force is applied. Since M=Fd this means less force is needed to get the same moment. This means levers make it easier to do work
Gears are circular discs with ‘teeth’ around their edges
Their teeth interlock so that turning one causes another to turn, in the opposite direction
They are used to transmit the rotational effect of a force from one place to another
Different sized gears can be used to change the moment of the force. A force transmitted to a larger gear will cause a bigger moment, as the distance to pivot is greater
The larger gear will turn slower than the smaller gear