Question 1Warm-upFoundation
A force of 20 N acts 0.3 m from a pivot. Calculate its moment.
M = F × d.
Worked solution
- N m
Answer: N m
GCSE & IGCSE physics practice
Moments questions and answers
A moment is the turning effect of a force: moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot, , in newton-metres (N m). An object is balanced when the total clockwise moment equals the total anticlockwise moment (the principle of moments).
8 questions · Foundation tier · Every answer is checked as you type it, with a full worked solution. Updated .
Where moments comes up
| GCSE (AQA) | GCSE Physics only (not Combined Science), Foundation and Higher. Recall M = Fd (on AQA's list of equations to learn). |
|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE (0625) | Core: define moment = force × perpendicular distance and apply the principle of moments with one force each side of the pivot. Supplement: situations with more than one force each side. |
The method
- M = F × d, with d the perpendicular distance from the pivot in metres.
- Balanced: total clockwise moments = total anticlockwise moments.
- Write one side equal to the other, then solve for the unknown.
- A uniform beam's weight acts at its centre.
Moments questions
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Warm-up
Question 2Warm-upFoundation
A spanner is 0.2 m long. A force of 150 N is applied at its end. What moment is applied to the nut?
M = F × d.
Worked solution
- N m
Answer: N m
Exam-style
Question 3Exam-styleFoundation
A moment of 12 N m is produced by a 40 N force. How far from the pivot is the force?
d = M ÷ F.
Worked solution
- m
Answer: m
Question 4Exam-styleFoundation
A see-saw is balanced. A child weighing 300 N sits 2 m from the pivot. Another child sits 1.5 m from the pivot on the other side. What is the second child's weight?
Clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment.
Worked solution
- N m
- , so N
Answer: N
Question 5Exam-styleFoundation
A 50 N weight hangs 0.6 m to the left of a pivot. What force, 0.4 m to the right of the pivot, balances the beam?
Set the moments equal.
Worked solution
- Anticlockwise: N m
- , so N
Answer: N
Question 6Exam-styleFoundation
Why is a door handle placed as far from the hinge as possible?
Think about M = F × d.
Worked solution
- For a given force, moment increases with distance from the pivot (the hinge).
Answer: A bigger distance gives a bigger moment for the same force, so the door is easier to open
Challenge
Question 7ChallengeFoundation
On the left of a pivot, 20 N acts at 0.5 m and 30 N acts at 0.2 m. What single force 0.8 m to the right of the pivot balances them?
Add the anticlockwise moments first.
Worked solution
- Anticlockwise: N m
- , so N
Answer: N
Question 8ChallengeFoundation
A uniform 4 m beam weighs 200 N and is pivoted 1 m from its left end. What downward force at the left end keeps it balanced?
The beam's weight acts at its centre, 2 m from the left end, which is 1 m right of the pivot.
Worked solution
- Weight's moment: N m (clockwise)
- Force at the left end is 1 m from the pivot: , so N
Answer: N
Common mistakes
- Measuring the distance from the end of the beam instead of from the pivot.
- Leaving distances in cm (then the moment is in N cm).
- Forgetting the weight of the beam itself.
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Sources
The questions are our own. The “where it comes up” notes are from each board's published specification, checked on 27 October 2026:
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