What terminology do I need to make sure I use for Moments in Paper 2?

The moment of a force measures the turning effect of the force upon a rigid body. It is defined as the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation. The moment is a vector with unit of Nm

For moments in paper 2, you must make sure how to define a moment. Moment is a turning effect of a force. Also, know the equation that relates moments. For example, M = F x D. This is how you would need to define the moment in a question that asks for a definition. Also, make sure that spelling and grammar is correct when defining it or using any relevant terminology regarding moments.

You should make sure you understand that moments have direction. You need to find a direction for the force and also look at the distance in perpendicular direction.

Moment of a force measures the turning effect of a force on a rigid body.

Moment is the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation.

The following terminologies are used in moments:

Particle, rigid body, point of rotation, force, perpendicular distance, moment, pivot, normal reaction, centre of mass, uniform rods, non-uniform rods, equilibrium, clockwise moment, anticlockwise moment, resultant moment, tension, point of tilting,...

Hi Roberta,

Moment is newtons (force) multiplied by Meters and it is very important to notify which direction (anticlockwise or clockwise) is the positive direction, otherwise, it is very easy to mix things up!

Make sure to always use newton/metres as your units when working out the size of the moment. It is also good to list the formula for moments which is force (newtons) x distance (metres).

You should also know that when in equilibrium, the Anti clockwise moment = clockwise moment.

Identify major areas of concern in the draft essay during revising

Moments = force X perpendicular distance from the force to the point you are measuring the moment

Hi! Make sure to use phrases such as: lever arm, line-of-action, force, moment, distance, pivot, northing, clockwise. Keep your answer clear by avoiding waffle. It is essential to learn key phrases which are outlined in the mark schemes for questions like these.

Start the question stating what you are going to do e.g. Take moments about A. Make sure you have a clear diagram and each point is labelled. Then take moments and anti-clockwise and set the two equal to each other if the system is in equilibrium.

Heya Robert! When a moments question comes up, ensure you write exactly what you're doing. A good example of this is stating 'taking moments anticlockwise about Point A', and then writing 'taking moments clockwise about Point A'. Later on in the working out, you can also safely write 'Anticlockwise moments = clockwise moments'

Terminology for Moments. There can be lots terminology that can be used, Im assuming it's pure 2 as your enquiry is in regards to paper 2, so it highly be likely to involve friction. Usual questions can be something to do with finding out if the friction will be sufficient enough to hold an object on a plane for instance once a supporting /external force is removed, in this application I would say working out will be your best friend as well as explaining your steps. When it comes to mechanics always apply the line rule in your working out to ensure its nice and clear for your teacher, examiner and yourself to look back on, to spot any potential mistakes :)

You should know the principle of moments ( which states that when a beam is in equilibrium under the action of several forces, the sum of all the clockwise moments must be equal to the sum of all the anticlockwise moments about a turning point (pivot) )

Sum of anticlockwise moments = sum of clockwise moments.

You must remember the definition of a moment: the Moment, measured in Nm, is equal to the Force applied, F, (N) multiplied by the perpendicular distance, d, from the axis of rotation and the line of action of the force.

Always state the principle of the sum of moments - for an object in equilibrium, the clockwise and anticlockwise moments are equal.

Make sure to to notice how the rod, or beam, ect is described in question - is it massless? If it has mass, is it uniformly distributed? Is it rigid?

Always be looking out for forces not perpendicular to the direction of rotation, you might have to use trigonometry here.