1. What is Moment of Force?

Definition: The moment of force (or torque) is a measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis or pivot.

Purpose: It's essential in physics and engineering for analyzing rotational systems, levers, and mechanical advantage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \tau \) — Moment of force (torque) in Newton-meters (N m)
• \( F \) — Applied force in Newtons (N)
• \( r \) — Distance from pivot to force application point in meters (m)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force vector and lever arm in degrees

Explanation: The moment is greatest when the force is perpendicular to the lever arm (θ = 90°), and zero when parallel (θ = 0°).

3. Importance of Moment Calculation

Details: Understanding torque is crucial for designing mechanical systems, analyzing structures, and solving rotational dynamics problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force magnitude, distance from pivot, and angle between them. All values must be positive (angle between 0-90°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: Use Newtons for force, meters for distance, and degrees for angle. The result is in Newton-meters.

Q2: What if my angle is 90 degrees?
A: At 90°, sin(θ) = 1, so torque simplifies to F × r (maximum value).

Q3: How does angle affect the moment?
A: Moment increases with angle up to 90°, then decreases symmetrically.

Q4: Can I use this for multiple forces?
A: This calculates torque for a single force. For multiple forces, calculate each separately and sum them.

Q5: What's the difference between moment and torque?
A: In physics, they're often used interchangeably, though torque specifically refers to rotational force.