Balancing
I can investigate the conditions for balance and apply the principle of moments in a range of situations.
Balancing
I can investigate the conditions for balance and apply the principle of moments in a range of situations.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Moment = force × distance (M = Fd)
- If an object is balanced, the total clockwise moment about a pivot equals the total anticlockwise moment.
- An object is in equilibrium if it is balanced and there are no resultant forces acting.
Common misconception
The distance to a pivot is always the distance along the lever, no matter which direction the force is acting in.
Opening a door by pushing on the handle in different directions shows it is harder to open when the shoulder of the person pushing is closer to the pivot (smaller perpendicular distance between the force and the pivot).
Keywords
Equilibrium - The state of an object when there is no resultant force or moment acting on it.
Moment - The turning effect of a force, measured in newton metres (Nm).
Principle of moments - An object will balance when the clockwise moments are equal to the anticlockwise moments.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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