1. What is Moment of Force?

The moment of force (or torque) is a measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis or pivot. It is calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of the force.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the moment of force formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Moment of force (Nm)
• \( F \) — Applied force (N)
• \( d \) — Perpendicular distance (m)

Explanation: The moment increases with both the magnitude of the force and the distance from the pivot point. The direction of rotation depends on the direction of the applied force.

3. Importance of Moment Calculation

Details: Calculating moments is essential in engineering, physics, and mechanics for analyzing rotational systems, designing structures, and understanding mechanical advantage in levers and other simple machines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in newtons (N) and the perpendicular distance in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between moment and torque?
A: While often used interchangeably, moment typically refers to the turning effect of a force about a point, while torque specifically refers to rotational force in mechanical systems.

Q2: Why is perpendicular distance important?
A: Only the component of distance perpendicular to the force direction contributes to the moment. The parallel component does not produce rotational effect.

Q3: What are common units for moment of force?
A: Newton-meters (Nm) in the SI system, or pound-feet (lb-ft) in the imperial system.

Q4: How does moment relate to equilibrium?
A: For an object to be in rotational equilibrium, the sum of all moments acting on it must equal zero.

Q5: Can moment be negative?
A: Yes, moment can be negative indicating clockwise rotation, while positive moment indicates counterclockwise rotation (by convention).