AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers moments, M = Fd, the principle of moments, balanced objects, levers and gears as force multipliers.
4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears exam questions
2 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears
Moments, levers and gears is a physics only section of AQA GCSE Physics, examined on Paper 2. A force or system of forces can cause an object to rotate, and the turning effect is called a moment. You need to calculate moments, apply the principle of moments to balanced objects such as see-saws, and explain how levers and gears transmit rotational effects. Examiners commonly set see-saw calculations with unit conversions and ask how a lever or gear system makes a task easier.
What you need to know
- Moment of a force The turning effect of a force is called the moment of the force. M = F d, where M is moment in newton-metres (N m), F is force in N and d is the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force in m.
- Principle of moments If an object is balanced, the total clockwise moment about a pivot equals the total anticlockwise moment about that pivot.
- Using the principle Calculate the size of a force, or its distance from a pivot, acting on an object that is balanced, such as a child on a see-saw or a beam supported at a point.
- Levers A simple lever can be used to transmit the rotational effects of forces. Applying a small force a long way from the pivot gives a large moment, which can produce a large force close to the pivot, for example a crowbar or spanner.
- Gears Gears transmit the rotational effect of forces. When a small gear drives a larger gear, the larger gear turns more slowly but with a larger moment. A large gear driving a small one gives faster rotation with a smaller moment.
Common mistakes in 4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears
- Using the distance along the beam when the force is not perpendicular. Use the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.
- Giving moments in N/m or N. The unit is N m.
- Only balancing forces, not moments. For balance, clockwise moments equal anticlockwise moments.
- Leaving distances in cm and mixing with metres in the same calculation.
- Saying a larger driven gear turns faster. It turns more slowly but with a larger moment.
Try three 4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears exam-style questions
1. A force of 30 N is applied to a spanner at a perpendicular distance of 0.20 m from the nut. Calculate the moment. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
M = F d = 30 x 0.20; = 6.0 N m.
2. On a see-saw, a child of weight 300 N sits 2.0 m from the pivot. Calculate how far from the pivot on the other side a child of weight 400 N must sit to balance it. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Anticlockwise moment = clockwise moment; 300 x 2.0 = 400 x d; d = 1.5 m.
3. Explain why it is easier to open a door by pushing near the handle rather than near the hinges. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The handle is a larger perpendicular distance from the pivot (hinge); so a smaller force gives the same moment (M = F d).
4.5.4 Moments, Levers and Gears FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.4 Moments, levers and gears cover?
It covers the moment of a force, M = F d, the principle of moments for balanced objects, and how levers and gears transmit rotational effects.
Is moments on the Combined Science course?
No. Moments, levers and gears is physics only, so it is only assessed on the separate AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2.
How do I set out a moments calculation?
Write 'total clockwise moment = total anticlockwise moment', list each moment as force times perpendicular distance, then solve for the unknown.
