1. What is Moment of Force?

The moment of force (or torque) is a measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis. It depends on the magnitude of the force, the distance from the axis, and the angle between the force vector and the lever arm.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the moment of force formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Moment of force (torque) in newton-meters (N·m)
• \( F \) — Applied force in newtons (N)
• \( d \) — Perpendicular distance from axis to force in meters (m)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between force vector and lever arm in degrees

Explanation: The sine function accounts for the component of the force that is perpendicular to the lever arm, which is what creates rotational motion.

3. Importance of Moment Calculation

Details: Calculating moment of force is essential in mechanical engineering, physics, and structural design to ensure systems can withstand applied forces without failing and to analyze rotational motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees. All values must be valid (force > 0, distance > 0, angle between 0-360).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between moment and torque?
A: While often used interchangeably, moment generally refers to the rotational effect of a force about a point, while torque specifically refers to rotational force about an axis.

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: At 90°, sin(θ) = 1, so the moment is maximum (M = F × d). The force is completely perpendicular to the lever arm.

Q3: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: At 0°, sin(θ) = 0, so the moment is zero. The force is parallel to the lever arm and produces no rotation.

Q4: How does moment relate to equilibrium?
A: For an object to be in rotational equilibrium, the sum of all moments acting on it must be zero.

Q5: What are typical units for moment of force?
A: The SI unit is newton-meter (N·m). In imperial units, pound-foot (lb·ft) is commonly used.