8/24/2019 Moments – torque, couple, principle of moments, centre of mass

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Moments

The moment (or torque) of a force about a turning point is the force multiplied by the
perpendicular distance to the force from the turning point.

Moments are measured in newton metres (Nm).

Moment = F d

F = the force in newtons (N)

d = perpendicular distance in metres (m)

Example; A 10N force acts at a perpendicular distance of 0.50m from the turning point.
What is the moment of the force?

Moment = Fd
= 10 x 0.50
= 5.0 Nm

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The principle of moments.

” When an object is in equilibrium the sum of the anticlockwise moments about a turning
point must be equal to the sum of the clockwise moments.”

sum of anticlockwise moments = sum clockwise moments

Example;

sum of anticlockwise moments = sum clockwise moments

F1 x d1 = F2 x d2

OR

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sum of anticlockwise moments = sum clockwise moments

F1 x d1 = (F2 x d2) + (F3 x d3)

Couples
A couple is two equal forces which act in opposite directs on an object but not through the
same point so they produce a turning effect.

The moment (or torque) of a couple is calculated by multiplying the size of one of the force
(F) by the perpendicular distance between the two forces (s).

E.g. a steering wheel in a car;

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OR

Moment of Couple = Fs
Link to centre of mass.

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