2.

1 Equilibrium of Rigid Body 2016

Describe equilibrium of rigid body

Enabling Objectives

 Describe the principle of moments

- Moments of force
- Moments in balance

The turning effect of a force
about a point is known as its
moment about that point.
Moments
Moment of force = force x perpendicular distance The unit for moment if a
from the line of action of force to the pivot force is Newton metre
(Nm).
=fxd

Example

A spanner of length 0.20 m is used to loosen a nut.

If the force applied is 5 N, find the moment of the force.

Principle of moments

When a body is in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments is equal to the

sum of anticlockwise moments about the same point.

Example:
1. Determine the weight W of the ruler

2. A force of 20 N acts at a distance of 20 cm from a pivot. What is the moment of this force
about the pivot? Include the unit in your answer.

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3. What weight W must be hung on the ruler to balance it?

4. The diagram shows a 1 m ruler, pivoted at its midpoint. At what distance x from the left-hand
end of the ruler must the 10 N force be applied to balance the ruler?

5. A ruler is placed on a pivot; three forces act on it, as shown

a) Which force has no moment about the pivot? Explain your answer.

b) Calculate the moments of the other two forces about the pivot.

c) Is the ruler turning? Explain.

Name: Marks

Group Code: Date:

Topic : Equilibrium of rigid body

1. The ‘moment of a force’ is another name for the ‘________ effect of force’.
2. The moment of a force is equal to the ________ multiplied by the perpendicular _________ between

the line of ________ of the force and the turning point.

3. Turning effect is measured in _________ metres.
4. __________ can be either clockwise or anticlockwise.
5. The diagram shows a balanced meter-stick. What is the value of the weight placed at the 10 cm mark?

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6. A stone is balanced on a metre-stick as shown. What is the weight of this stone?

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