GCSE›Edexcel GCSE Physics›Mind mapsMomentsEdexcel GCSE Physics: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsTurning effectForce can rotate an object about a pivotMoment = turning effect of a forceBigger force → bigger momentFurther from pivot → bigger momentCalculatingMoment = force × perpendicular distanceUnit: newton-metre (N m)Distance at right angles to the force20 N at 0.5 m → 10 N mPrinciple of momentsIn equilibrium, moments are balancedClockwise total = anticlockwise totalUsed for see-saws, beams and balancesMomentsturning effectsN mLeversLarge distance from pivot gives large momentSmall effort moves a load near the pivotExamples: crowbar, scissorsGearsToothed wheels pass on rotationSmall gear driving larger: more turning forceLarger gear turns more slowlyExam tipsList each moment separately firstThen set clockwise equal to anticlockwiseWorking earns marks even if the answer is wrong