Moment of Force Formula:
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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.
The calculator uses the moment of force formula:
Where:
Explanation: The sine function accounts for the angular component of the force, calculating only the perpendicular component that contributes to rotation.
Details: Calculating moment of force is crucial in mechanical engineering, physics, and structural design to determine rotational effects, balance systems, and prevent structural failures.
Tips: Enter force in newtons, distance in meters, and angle in degrees (0-360). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: At 90°, sin(θ) = 1, so M = F × d (maximum moment for given force and distance).
Q2: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: At 0°, sin(θ) = 0, so M = 0 (force is parallel to lever arm, no rotation).
Q3: How does moment relate to rotational acceleration?
A: Moment is analogous to force in rotational motion (τ = Iα, where I is moment of inertia and α is angular acceleration).
Q4: What are typical units for moment of force?
A: SI units are newton-meters (N·m). In imperial systems, pound-feet (lb·ft) are common.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for 3D problems?
A: This calculates magnitude only. For 3D problems, vector cross products are needed.