turning effect of forces

Question 1

principle of moments

Answer 1

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

Question 2

centre of gravity (cog)

Answer 2

it is the point through which the entire weight of an object may be considered to act for any orientation of the object

Question 3

stability

Answer 3

ability of the object to regain its original position after it has been tilted slightly

Question 4

to increase the stability of an object

Answer 4

• centre of gravity should be as low as possible
• base area of the object should be as wide as possible

to ensure that the vertical line of action of the weight passing through the centre of gravity of the object will lie inside the base of the object when it is tilted or inclined at an angle

Question 5

moment

Answer 5

the moment of a force (or torque) about a pivot is the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the forces.