moments ⚖

Question 1

define moments

Answer 1

moment is the product of the force F and the perpendicular distance d from the pivot to the line of action of the force

Question 2

what are the 2 conditions for equilibrium?

Answer 2

1) the resultant force on thee object is zero
2) the resultant moment about any point on the object is zero

Question 3

what is the principle of moments?

Answer 3

for an object in equilibrium, sum of clockwise moments about a point is equal to sum of anti-clockwise moments about the same point

Question 4

define centre of gravity

Answer 4

centre of gravity is an imaginary point about which the force of gravity appears to act

Question 5

what happens when a balancing toy is displaced slightly?

Answer 5

1) weight of object acting through its centre of gravity will result in a clockwise moment about the pivot
2) object now rotates in a clockwise direction
3) resultant anti-clockwise moment about the pivot results in object rotating in the opposite direction
4) object continues to oscillate until it comes to rest again with centre of gravity below pivot

Question 6

define stability

Answer 6

the measure of an object’s ability to return to its original position