GCSE Physics Revision — Moments, Levers & Gears
Revise Moments, Levers & Gears for GCSE Physics with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Moments, Levers & Gears?
A moment is the turning effect of a force. It is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force (Moment = Fd). Levers and gears use moments to make tasks easier by multiplying the effect of a force.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Calculations involving the principle of moments are common.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
A child of weight 300N sits 2m from the pivot of a seesaw. Where must another child of weight 400N sit to balance the seesaw? Solution: For balance, clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment. 300N x 2m = 400N x d. 600 Nm = 400d. So, d = 600/400 = 1.5m from the pivot on the other side.
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Common mistakes
- 1Using the wrong distance in the moment calculation. It must be the perpendicular distance from the pivot.
- 2Forgetting the principle of moments for a balanced system. For an object to be balanced, the sum of the clockwise moments about a pivot must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments.
- 3Confusing the direction of rotation for clockwise and anticlockwise moments.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the principle of moments?
The principle of moments states that for an object to be in rotational equilibrium (i.e., balanced and not turning), the sum of the clockwise moments about any point must be equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same point.
How do gears work?
Gears are wheels with teeth that interlock. A small gear driving a large gear will result in a larger moment (turning force) but a slower speed of rotation. A large gear driving a small gear will result in a smaller moment but a faster speed.