1Classwork / Assignment: Equilibrium.

1) The turning effect of a force is called its ____________________.

2) The moment of a force about a point is equal to the product of the ____________________
and the ____________________ distance from the line of action of the
____________________ to the point.
3) Moments are measured in ____________________.
4) In each of the diagrams below, calculate the moment exerted about the pivot when the force
acts at the point shown. Indicate whether the moment is clcokwise moment or anticlockwise
moment.

a)

b)

5) When a beam is balanced on a pivot, what can you say about the moments about the pivots?
6) A uniform metre rule is supported at its centre. It is balanced by two weights A and B as
shown in the figure below. If the weights of A and B are 50 N and 40 N respectively, find the
distance of weight B from the support.

7) The figure below shows an electrically operated railway crossing barrier. The barrier is
pivoted at P and, in order to make it easier to raise the arm of the barrier, the weight of the
arm is balanced by the counterweight M. The weight of the arm is 250 N and its centre of

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2Classwork / Assignment: Equilibrium.

mass is 2.40 m from P. The centre of mass M is 0.40 m from P. Calculate W, the weight of M
which just balances the weight of the arm.

8) When a driver’s foot presses on a brake pedal in a car with a force F as shown in the figure
below, the force pulling the spring is 160 N. What is the force?

9) The figure below represents the jib of a crane used on a building site. The weight of the jib is
1000 N and it acts through a point which is 2 m from the pivot. The load is balanced by a
block of concrete (W) which may be moved along the jib.

a) Calculate the weight of the block if the crane is correctly balanced as shown.
b) Calculate the distance of the block from the pivot if the load is reduced to 2000 N.

10) What is the point where the whole weight of an object seems to act called?
11) A uniform metre rule has a weight of 4 N and is supported at 65 cm mark as shown in the
Figure below. A weight of 2 N is used to balance the rule. Where should the weight be
placed?

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3Classwork / Assignment: Equilibrium.

12) Name the type of equilibrium shown in each case below. In each case, describe what
happens to the centre of gravity of the body when the body is displaced slightly.
a)

b)

c)