Moments & Stability Lab
Move forces on a beam, compare clockwise and anticlockwise moments, and connect centre-of-gravity ideas to stability.
Learning goals
- Describe a moment as a force's turning effect in everyday examples
- Apply moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot
- State the principle of moments for a body in equilibrium
- apply the principle of moments to new situations or to solve related problems
- show an understanding that the weight of a body may be taken as acting at a single point known as its centre of gravity
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Diagram setup
Stability setup
Practice run
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Change one variable, save another reading, then compare the evidence.
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Fair-test check
Study lensUse moment = force x perpendicular distance directly from a beam diagram.
Try this
Read the diagram first: which force has the longer turning arm, and where does the weight line fall?
Learn to
- Use moment = force x perpendicular distance directly from a beam diagram.
- Distinguish clockwise and anticlockwise moments, then test for equilibrium.
- Explain stability using centre of gravity, line of action, and base of support.
Exam transfer
Governing idea
Moment τ = Fd⊥. In rotational equilibrium, total clockwise moment equals total anticlockwise moment; stability also depends on the weight line staying inside the base.
Model boundary
The diagrams are two-dimensional rigid-body models with ideal pivots and supports. Flexing, slipping, and three-dimensional loading are omitted.
Avoid this trap
Use the perpendicular distance from pivot to line of action—not the distance along the beam or directly to the force arrow.
How to explore
Read beam diagrams, compare turning effects, and explain stability from centre of gravity and base support.
Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.
About this activity
Move forces on a beam, compare clockwise and anticlockwise moments, and connect centre-of-gravity ideas to stability. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.
How this activity affects progress
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G3 Physics
- Edition
- SEC G3 Physics 2027