FORCE
1. TURNING FORCE CONCEPT
A force is a push or pull that changes an object's state of motion or shape. When a force is
applied at some distance from a fixed point, it causes the object to rotate about that point. This
rotational effect of a force is called the Moment of Force or Torque.
1.1. Moment of a Force (Torque)
The moment of a force (also called torque) is the turning effect produced by a force about a
fixed point (or axis). It is given by the formula:
Moment of Force (Torque)=Force×Perpendicular Distance from Axis of Rotation
Where:
Τ,tau = Moment of force or Torque (Nm in SI units)
F = Applied force (N)
d = Perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation (m)
Example Applications:
Opening a Door – The farther you apply force from the hinges, the easier it is to open
the door.
Steering a Wheel – The force applied on the rim of a wheel produces torque, making it
turn.
Using a Spanner – A longer spanner requires less force to loosen a nut due to a larger
moment arm.
1.2. Clockwise & Anticlockwise Moments
Clockwise Moment: A force causing rotation in the clockwise direction.
Anticlockwise Moment: A force causing rotation in the counterclockwise direction.
For a system to be in rotational equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments must equal the
sum of anticlockwise moments:
∑Clockwise Moments=∑Anticlockwise Moments
Example Problem:
A force of 10 N is applied at a perpendicular distance of 0.5 m from a pivot. Find the moment of
force.
Solution:
τ=F×d=10×0.5=5 Nm
Numerical Problem:
A spanner of 0.2 m is used to turn a bolt. If a force of 50 N is applied, find the torque produced.
Solution:
τ=F×d=50×0.2=10 Nm
2. CONDITIONS FOR EQUILIBRIUM
An object is in equilibrium when all forces and torques acting on it are balanced.
2.1. Translational Equilibrium
The sum of all forces acting on a body is zero.
Mathematically:
∑Fx=0 and ∑Fy=0
2.2. Rotational Equilibrium
The sum of all torques acting on a body is zero.
∑τ clockwise=∑τ anticlockwise
Example Problem:
A uniform beam of length 2 m is pivoted at its center. A 20 N force is applied 0.4 m from the
pivot on the left, and an unknown force F acts 0.5 m from the pivot on the right. Find the value
of F for equilibrium.
Solution:
∑τ clockwise=∑τ anticlockwise
20×0.4=F×0.5
F = 16 N
3. CENTRE OF GRAVITY
3.1. Definition
The Centre of Gravity (C.G.) of a body is the point where the entire weight of the body
appears to act, regardless of its orientation.
3.2. Centre of Gravity of Regular Shapes
Uniform Rod – Midpoint
Circular Disc – Geometric Centre
Triangle – Intersection of medians
Rectangular Lamina – Intersection of diagonals
Example Problem:
Find the center of gravity of a uniform metal rod of length 1.2 m.
Solution:
For a uniform rod, the C.G. is at the midpoint:
C.G.=1.2/2=0.6m
4. UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
4.1. Concept
A body moving at constant speed in a circular path is in uniform circular motion.
Though speed remains constant, velocity changes because direction changes.
This means acceleration is present even if the speed is constant.
4.2. Centripetal & Centrifugal Forces
Centripetal Force: A force directed towards the center that keeps the object moving in
a circular path.
Fc=mv2/r
Centrifugal Force: A fictitious force that appears to act outward in a rotating frame.
Example Problem:
A 2 kg object moves in a circular path of radius 1.5 m at 4 m/s. Find the required centripetal
force.
Solution:
Fc=mv2/r
=2×42/1.5
=32/1.5
=21.33 N
Numerical Problem:
A car of mass 1500 kg moves in a circular path of radius 50 m at a speed of 10 m/s. Find the
centripetal force acting on it.
Solution:
KEY POINTS
Concept Key Equation/Principle Example Applications
Moment of Force τ= F×d Door, Steering wheel
Equilibrium ∑τ clockwise=∑τ anticlockwise Balancing Seesaws, Beams
Centre of Gravity Midpoint for symmetrical objects Leaning tower of Pisa
Circular Motion Fc=mv2//r Planets orbiting Sun
Special Notes
WORKSHEET 1
Section A: Assertion-Reason Questions (2 Marks Each)
1. Assertion (A): Torque is the product of force and perpendicular distance from the axis of
rotation.
Reason (R): If the perpendicular distance increases, the torque also increases.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) Both A and R are false.
2. Assertion (A): An object in uniform circular motion has a constant velocity.
Reason (R): Velocity remains constant in uniform motion.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) Both A and R are false.
Section B: Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions (3 Marks Each)
3. A force of 20 N is applied at an angle of 30° to a door 1.5 m wide. Calculate the torque about
the hinge.
4. Explain why the center of gravity of a triangle is at the intersection of its medians.
5. If an object moves in a circle at constant speed, why is it still accelerating? Explain with an
example.
Section C: Numerical Questions (3 Marks Each)
6. A beam is pivoted at its center. A force of 10 N is applied at 2 m on one side. What force must
be applied at 1.5 m on the other side for equilibrium?
7. A 1 kg object is moving in a circular path of radius 2 m with a speed of 4 m/s. Find the
centripetal force.
8. A uniform rod of length 1.2 m has a weight of 60 N. If it is supported at one end, find the
torque about the support point.
9. A car of mass 1200 kg is moving in a circular path of radius 50 m at a speed of 10 m/s. Find
the required centripetal force.
10. A wheel of radius 0.5 m is rotating with a force of 40 N applied at its edge. Calculate the
torque.
WORKSHEET 2
Section A: Assertion-Reason Questions (2 Marks Each)
1. Assertion (A): The moment of force depends on both force and distance from the pivot.
Reason (R): A small force applied at a greater distance can produce a large torque.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) Both A and R are false.
2. Assertion (A): In uniform circular motion, velocity is directed tangent to the circle.
Reason (R): Acceleration is always perpendicular to velocity.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) Both A and R are false.
Section B: Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions (3 Marks Each)
3. Why does a longer spanner make it easier to loosen a tight bolt?
4. Explain the role of centrifugal force in a washing machine’s spin cycle.
5. If an astronaut is moving in a circular orbit, why does she not feel the force of gravity?
Section C: Numerical Questions (3 Marks Each)
6. A seesaw is balanced with a 30 kg child sitting 1.5 m from the pivot. Where must a 40 kg child
sit to maintain balance?
7. A disc of radius 0.2 m is rotating with a force of 25 N applied at its edge. Find the torque.
8. A 5 kg object moves in a circular path of radius 3 m at a speed of 6 m/s. Calculate the
centripetal force.
9. A 50 cm long rod is pivoted at one end. If a force of 15 N is applied at the free end, find the
torque.
10. A car of mass 1000 kg is turning around a circular track of radius 60 m at a speed of 15 m/s.
Find the required centripetal force.
