Category : Static
Group Member :
When a force is imparted to turn an object, it generates moment. It is measured by the product
between the
force (F) and the perpendicular distance (d) between the pivot and the line of force. The product F x
d is known
as moment of the force.
The principle of moments is often used in engineering and construction where forces have to be
balanced to
prevent turning. This concept applies for both parallel and oblique forces. Nevertheless, the
distance, d should
always be perpendicular from the pivot.
The objective of this experiment is to verify the principle of moments for parallel and non-parallel
forces.
2.APPARATUS
3.PROCEDURE
3.1 Preparation
3.2 Test 1
1. The weight hooks was hung from the end holes of the bar (see Figure 2). The hook was
inserted from the rear of the bar.
2. The weight of each weight hook is 0.4N. 1.6N load was added to each of them to obtain a
total of 2N force at both side of the bars.
3. The arm “floating” was positioned between the stop.
4. The distance of the weight hooks was measured from the pivot of the bar (the reading is
160mm).
5. The right weight was hook was moved to a hole nearer to the pivot, and was loaded with
sufficient weights to balance the bar in the level position ( see Figure 3).
6. The total weight at the weight and the total loads, F was recorded.
7. The distance, d of the hole from the pivot was recorded.
3.3 Test 2
1. A cord with (approximately 40cm long) was taken. The right weight hook was removed from
the bar.
2. The cord was passed over the middle pulley and was hooked into the end hole of the right
arm of the bar (Figure 4) using the lightweight hook.
3. The weight hook was loaded to balance the bar. The weight of the weight hook and its load,
F was recorded.
4. The perpendicular distance, d from the pivot to the cord was recorded.
5. The test was repeated by passing the cord over the left pulley and was attached to the
center arm of the bar (Figure 5).
4. Results
Distance
(measured from
Experiment Type of force Force, F (N) the pivot point), d Moment, M (Nm)
(m)
Test 1
Left : 1.85 Left : 0.010 Left: 0.0185
Tension
Right : 2.00 Right : 0.016 Right : 0.032
Test 2 Figure 4 : 2.35 0.010 0.0235
Tension
Figure 5: 5.85 0.006 0.0351
5. Discussions:
M = turning moment
F = Force acting on a body
r = distance from pivot
Principle of moment state that the moment of any force is equal to the algebraic
sum of the moments of the components of that force.
6.Conclusion:
A rigid body will remain in equilibrium provided the sum of all the external forces acting on
the body = 0 and sum of moments of the external forces about a point = 0