Introduction to Moments A.K.A TORQUE

Physics Notes For Grade 9:
Moment: It is the turning effect of a force
Explanation:
This means that when a force is applied onto an object for e.g if we
want to open a nut from a bicycle, and we are using a wrench to open
it, we will certainly apply a force to on the wrench to turn the nut. That
turning effect of the force is known as Moment



 Moment is defined as the product of force and the perpendicular distance
from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
 Moment of a force is calculated by the formula: M =F X D, where
M= Moment, F=force applied and D= Perpendicular distance covered

Explanation:
Whenever a force is applied distance is covered whether it
is curved or straight. Turning effect of force produces a
perpendicular distance from the pivot (the central point of
anything).so we calculate the moment of force by
multiplying force applied to the object and the
perpendicular distance it covered from its pivot



Examples of moment in everyday life:
 Opening a bottle cap with an opener instead of our fingers.
 Two people sitting on a see-saw.
 Opening a door knob




Effects of perpendicular distance on the moment

 Larger the perpendicular distance from the pivot larger the moment, Larger
the moment and easy turning of the object