Force applied by Muscles

Question 1

Give the steps for measuring the force applied by a muscle
Given the example of an arm

Answer 1

• Calculate the moment
  1) When a force acts on something that has a pivot it creates a turning effect called the moment.
  2) the arm is the lever and the elbow is the pivot. so when the force acts on the arm there’s a moment
  3) calculate the moment

Question 2

What’s the equation for calculating the moment?

Answer 2

Moment (Nm) = Force (N) x Perpendicular distance (m)

Question 3

Find the moment when you have a weight that has a force of 12N and is 0.3m calculate the moment

Answer 3

moment = 12 x 0.3 = 3.6Nm
3.6Nm = 12 x 0.3

Question 4

What has to be the same to keep the arm still?

Answer 4

The moment of muscle has to be the same as the moment of the weight.

Question 5

How do you work out the force?

Answer 5

Force = moment ÷ perpendicular distance

Question 6

Calculate the force when the weight has a moment of 3.6 Nm and the pivot is 0.05m for distance

Answer 6

Force = 3.6Nm ÷ 0.05m
3.6Nm ÷ 0.05m = 72N