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Separate Physics · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · P5

Moments: the turning effect of forces

Key ideas1 of 3

A force can turn an object

A force can make an object rotate about a pivot, such as a door turning about its hinges or a spanner turning about a nut. This turning effect is the moment of the force. State whether the force tends to turn the object clockwise or anticlockwise. A pivot is the point or axis about which the object can rotate.

Horizontal spanner pivoted at P with a downward 20 N force at perpendicular distance 0.30 m.

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Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · P5. Use alongside the shared P5 lessons.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · 4.5.4. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.