This memory aid covers Memory Aid within Moments & Levers for GCSE Physics. Revise Moments & Levers in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 10 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aid
M = Fd — "MOMENT = FORCE × DISTANCE":
Think of opening a door: you always push near the edge (far from pivot/hinges), not near the hinge. Maximum distance = maximum moment = easiest to open. Pushing near the hinge would be terrible — tiny distance, tiny moment.
Clockwise vs Anticlockwise — use a clock face: Imagine the object as a clock. Which way would the force rotate it — the same direction as clock hands (clockwise) or opposite (anticlockwise)? Label moments accordingly.
Principle of moments shortcut: "Clock = Anti-Clock" — the clockwise moments must equal the anticlockwise moments for balance.
Practice questions for Moments & Levers
What is a moment?
State the principle of moments.