Define moment of a force - Junior Cycle Science - Question c - 2007
Question c
Define moment of a force.
The diagram shows a metre stick suspended from its centre of gravity. A force of 3 N acts on the stick at the 90 cm mark and a force of F ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define moment of a force - Junior Cycle Science - Question c - 2007
Step 1
Define moment of a force.
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Answer
The moment of a force, also known as the turning effect or turning power, is defined as the product of the force and the distance from the fulcrum. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
Moment=Force×Distance from fulcrum
Where the units are usually in Newton-meters (Nm).
Step 2
Calculate force F.
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Answer
To calculate the force F that balances the moment on the metre stick, we can use the principle of moments where the sum of moments around the fulcrum must be zero.
Applying the formula:
30 cm×F=40 cm×3 N
Now, simplifying:
F=30 cm40 cm×3 N
Calculating gives:
F=30 cm120 N cm=4 N
Thus, the force F is 4 N.
Step 3
Give an everyday example of an application of the lever.
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An everyday example of an application of a lever is a spanner used to loosen or tighten a nut.
In this case, the fulcrum is located at the point where the spanner contacts the nut, while the force is applied at the end of the spanner handle to rotate the nut.
Labelled Diagram:
Fulcrum: The point of rotation (e.g., the point of contact with the nut).
Force: The downward pressure applied at the end of the handle.
Handle: The arm of the lever used to apply force.
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