(i) Which force has the least moment about O? Give reason. (ii) Which force has the greatest moment about O? Give reason. (iii) Name the forces producing (a) clockwise, (b) anticlockwise moments. (iv) What is the resultant torque about the point O?(i) We know that,
Moment of force = Force × Perpendicular distance
We can see from the given figure that vector C has least perpendicular distance from point O.
Hence, vector C will have least moment about O.
(ii) We know that,
Moment of force = Force × Perpendicular distance
We can see from the given figure that vector A has the greatest perpendicular distance from point O
Hence, vector A will have the greatest moment about O.
(iii)(a) Clockwise moments are produced by vectors A and B.
Reason: If the turning effect on the body is clockwise then a moment of force is called a clockwise moment and it is taken as a negative value.
(b) Anticlockwise moment is produced by vector C.
Reason: If the turning effect on the body is anticlockwise then the moment of force is called an anticlockwise moment and it is taken as a positive value.
(iv) Sum of torques due to vectors A, B and C = Resultant torque about point O
= -(4 × 0.9) – (4 × 0.8) + (4 × 0.6) N m
= -3.6 – 3.2 + 2.4
= -4.4 m
So, the resultant torque is 4.4Nm (clockwise direction).
