Based on any physics text, the Moment or Torque will be defined for you as equal to Force times the perpendicular distance. As you could see, the sentence is pretty long for such a simple formula. We can perhaps simplify it by using aphlabets and mathematical symbols to represent the sentence above.
In short: T = F x d
where T is Torque or Moment (Nm)
F is the Force applied (N)
d is the perpendicular distance (m)
Now, you may ask, what is the use of understanding this formula? Is there any real world applications? My answer to you is Yes! There are many applications to these simple formula.
Have you ever wonder why the handle on any door is always designed almost right at the side of the door? Have you ever questioned why the handle is not placed somewhere at the middle of the door or perhaps even near to the hinged side of the door? Take a few minutes to think about it and try to give an answer…
Well, the reason is found in the formula T = F x d. So, what is the link here? As illustrated in the door, the “Torque or Moment” produced will basically be seem as when someone pulled or pushed the handle with the door turning clockwise or anticlockwise. So where is this “Force”, it is the “action” produced when you pull or push on the handle. Lastly, the perpendicular distance will be between the point where you applied your effort and the other end of the hinged door. The diagram (illustrated in plan view) below demonstrates what we have just discussed.
In the first Plan view diagram, we can see how the force applied and the perpendicular distance from the pivot point (hinged-point of the door) produced the torque or moment.
Second Diagram:
Third Diagram:
In the second and third plan view diagrams, you can see that the handle has been shifted for both cases. Assuming that the applied force is the same for both cases, do you think the torque or turning effect produced will be the same? Try and find out your own answer based on what you have learned so far...
Have you found your answer? The moments created by the above two cases will be different since the perpendicular distances for both cases is different. With the assumptions that the applied force is the same for both cases, the Moment created in the second diagram will be greater than the third diagram since we already know that Moment = F x d. Hence, a greater Moment can be created (even though with the same applied force) with the help of increasing the distance from the pivot point (hinged point).
The weblink below shows how moments is applied in a lever balance, explore how moments create balance and unbalance (rotation) from this applet…
http://www.vjc.moe.edu.sg/academics/dept/physics_dept/applet/lever/lever.htm
and perhaps you could try it out in one of those toilet door where it allows you to push the door at different parts of it...
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ReplyDeleteEasy to understand through the use of diagrams.
9. O.o...interesting...
ReplyDelete18. Interesting information but it would be better if it were explained orally.
ReplyDeleteHm... so T = F x d.... ok i get a little but still need study a bit more!!! Im so confused....
ReplyDelete-17
30.i learnt that the moments created will be different as the perpendicular distances are different.
ReplyDelete7.I dont really understand about this topic on the blog....But I realise that it help us alot in our everyday life.
ReplyDelete5. Okay, understand that T= F x D ,i think that it is very hard to understand at first but with diagrams, it is much easier to understand. post more diagrams :]:]:]:]:]
ReplyDelete10. I think this topic is very confusing, i don't quite understand it.
ReplyDeletei learnt that T = F x d .yeap!
ReplyDeleteT is Torque or Moment(Nm)
F is the Force applied(N)
d is the perpendicular distance(m)
so if the perpendicular distance is different,the moment created will be different.
therefore Moment = F x d. Hence, a greater Moment can be created (even though with the same applied force) with the help of increasing the distance from the pivot point (hingedpoint).
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3. I think that the topic is confusing. I don't quite understand
ReplyDelete27.
ReplyDeletei understand it...i tink the diagrams are very useful. i would prefer it to be explained orally though
19 says:I think it is the same as what we learnt in primary sch,levers.the greater the distance travels,the smaller the effort.it's just that what we learning now comes with a formula so that we can calculate how much exactly is the force.
ReplyDelete