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Moment formula

We can calculate the moment (M) using the formula:

Where:

  • is the moment
  • %F$ is the force
  • is the perpendicular distance from the centre

Units

Section titled “Units”

We can calculate a moment using .

  • Force is measured in newtons
  • Perpendicular Distance is measured in metres

So if we do , we get the unit for moments to be the Newton-Metre!

Example calculations

Section titled “Example calculations”

A force of is applied away from a pivot. Calculate the moment.

Section titled “A force of is applied away from a pivot. Calculate the moment.”
  • $M=(5)(10)%

A force of is applied away from the pivot. Another force, F, is applied away from the pivot. The overall moment is . Calculate F.

Section titled “A force of is applied away from the pivot. Another force, F, is applied away from the pivot. The overall moment is . Calculate F.”
  • Total moment = sum of all moments

A person is capable of exerting a force of 200N onto a plank of wood. If the moment needed to snap the wood is , how far away does the person need to press down on the plank of wood?

Section titled “A person is capable of exerting a force of 200N onto a plank of wood. If the moment needed to snap the wood is , how far away does the person need to press down on the plank of wood?”