# Taking Moments About a Point and Resolving Forces

• John Matrix
In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of moments and forces in a university physics exam. The question and solution for a specific problem involving a rectangular lamina and a uniform rod are provided, with the student expressing confusion about the concept of moments. The expert provides an explanation of how to find the torque generated by a force and offers tips for solving similar problems.

#### John Matrix

Hi, I have my first year university exam coming up soon and this type of question seems to feature quite prominently in the past paper questions we are given where I have to take moments about a point and also resolve forces horizontally and vertically. I suppose the best way to show you would be with a question and the solution (which we were given by the tutor).

Question:

13(a) A uniform rectangular lamina ABCD is of mass 2m, with AB = DC = 4
cm and BC = AD = 6 cm. Particles, each of mass m, are attached to
the lamina at B, C and D. Calculate the distance of the centre of
mass of the loaded lamina from the sides AB and BC respectively.

Solution:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/929440/PhysicsDiagram1.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/929440/Physicssol(a).JPG

I guess this part involves centre of gravity more than anything but I still don't understand how the moments are taken.

(b) A uniform rod AB, of length 4a and weight W, is hinged smoothly to a
fixed point at A. The rod is held at 60 to the horizontal, with B
above A, by a horizontal force F acting at B. Calculate in terms of W:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/929440/PhysicsHelpDiagram2.JPG

(i) the magnitude of F;

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/929440/PhysicsSol(i).JPG

Where do these moments come from exactly? I have a vague idea from the solution and my knowledge of trigonometry but I'm not entirely sure.

(ii) the magnitude of the reaction force at the hinge and its direction to
the horizontal.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/929440/PhysicsSol(ii).JPG

Not sure here how the forces are resolved, a diagram of where the horizontal and vertical forces are in relation to R would really help.

If anyone could show me where these answers are coming from I would be really gratefull since this just doesn't seem to click with me and I have no more classes left to speak with the tutor. Thanks.

The first thing you need to review is how to find the torque (or moment) generated by a force about a point. The torque depends on three things:
the amount of the force, $\vec{F}$
the point of application of the force measured from the pivot point, $\vec{r}$
the angle between $\vec{r}$ and $\vec{F}$​
The magnitude of the torque is given by $r F \sin\theta$.

Regarding 13a:

John Matrix said:
I guess this part involves centre of gravity more than anything but I still don't understand how the moments are taken.
It may be easier to think of the center of mass as the weighted average position of the mass elements:
$$x_{cm} = \frac{1}{M}\Sigma x_i m_i$$
$$y_{cm} = \frac{1}{M}\Sigma y_i m_i$$

Regarding 13b:

Start by identifying all the forces acting on the rod. Then apply the conditions for equilibrium: (1) the net horizontal and vertical forces on the rod must add to zero, and (2) the net torque about any point must be zero.

Hints: (a) Treat the force R that the hinge exerts on the rod in terms of its components $R_x$ and $R_y$. (b) Use the hinge as your pivot point when calculating torques.

Thanks for your help. The solution is a lot clearer now. I'll have a go at some similar questions later and see if I can do them now.

## 1. What is the purpose of taking moments about a point?

The purpose of taking moments about a point is to analyze the rotational equilibrium of an object. This involves considering the distribution of forces acting on the object and their respective distances from the chosen point.

## 2. How do you calculate the moment of a force?

The moment of a force can be calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the force by its perpendicular distance from the chosen point. This is also known as torque.

## 3. What is meant by resolving forces?

Resolving forces involves breaking down a force into its component vectors in a specific direction. This allows for a more accurate analysis of the forces acting on an object, particularly in situations where multiple forces are present.

## 4. Can moments and forces be resolved in any direction?

Yes, moments and forces can be resolved in any direction as long as the chosen direction is consistent for all forces and moments being considered. This is usually done in the horizontal and vertical directions, but can also be done in other directions if necessary.

## 5. How does taking moments assist in solving for unknown forces?

By taking moments about a point, the rotational equilibrium of an object can be analyzed and used to solve for unknown forces. This is done by setting the total moment equal to zero and using the principles of equilibrium to determine the unknown forces.

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