Moments and Machines

Abstract

When a body is in equilibrium, the resultant force on its is zero and the sum of the clockwise moments about a point is equal to the sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same point. In the diagram a beam is balanced at its centre point. Using the measurements shown in the diagram, Clockwise moments = Anticlockwise moments = 12 Nm Clockwise moment = 2 N × 6 m = 12 Nm Anticlockwise moment = 3 N × 4 m = 12 Nm The clockwise moment equals the anticlockwise moment and the beam is in equilibrium. In an experiment the forces are usually applied by hanging weights on the beam.