What is a moment

The moment of a force is used to measure how hard something is being turned or twisted about a turning point. It depends upon how big the force is and on how long the lever is. The turning point is often called the pivot or fulcrum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click below to download a PDF document of notes on The Law of Moments and some applications including calculations:

Moments and the law of moments notes PDF

Download PDF of all notes on The Law of Moments  Moments and the law of moments notes

 

Calculation of a moment

The moment of a force is the perpendicular distance to the line of the force multiplied by the size of the force.

Measured in newton metres (Nm).

Moment of a force (Nm) = force(N) x perpendicular distance(m)

Measuring the perpendicular distance

The perpendicular distance is the shortest distance from the pivot to the line of direction of the force.