This definitions covers Key Definitions within Moments & Levers for GCSE Physics. Revise Moments & Levers in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 8 of 14 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 8 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
10 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Moment: The turning effect of a force about a pivot. Moment = Force × perpendicular distance from pivot. Unit: Newton metres (Nm).
Pivot (fulcrum): The fixed point about which a lever rotates.
Principle of moments: For a body in equilibrium (balanced), the sum of clockwise moments equals the sum of anticlockwise moments about any pivot.
Equilibrium: A state of balance where the resultant force is zero AND the resultant moment is zero — object does not accelerate or rotate.
Lever: A simple machine using a rigid bar and pivot to multiply force at the expense of distance.