Finding the Moment of a Force Using Varignon's Theorem

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To find the moment of a force using Varignon's Theorem, it's essential to resolve the force into its components and determine their respective moments. The direction of the moment can be established by assessing whether the force causes a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation, rather than relying solely on the right-hand rule. The right-hand rule may complicate simple problems, as the focus should be on the turning effect rather than the vector direction. The moment is calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot point. Understanding these concepts will help clarify how to approach the problem effectively.
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Hi. I'm really confused in how to find the moment done by force.

I want to find the moment done by the force in this figure.

Capture.jpg


The book has resolved the force into its components using principle of moments.

Capture1.jpg


So, how do i find the moments of the components of the force? I know I'm going to use the right hand rule, but i don't know where i am going to put my thumb.
 
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sevag00 said:
Hi. I'm really confused in how to find the moment done by force.

So, how do i find the moments of the components of the force? I know I'm going to use the right hand rule, but i don't know where i am going to put my thumb.

Show your work please.
Anyway,moment =Force x Perpendicular distance
 
I know how to find the magnitude. I'm asking for the direction.
 
sevag00 said:
I know how to find the magnitude. I'm asking for the direction.
If you know it,then show your work.
PF requires one to show his/her work before getting any help(In the homework section):smile:
 
Yeah. But first i should find the direction of the moments of the components of the force so that i get the right result.
 
sevag00 said:
Yeah. But first i should find the direction of the moments of the components of the force so that i get the right result.
You don't need to calculate that.Moment is a turning effect.It does not have any directions.It has direction of rotation.You just have to use common sense and decide whether it's anticlockwise or clockwise
For example,look at this:
attachment.php?attachmentid=64172&stc=1&d=1385061988.gif

Look at diagram a,Force F produces an Anticlockwise moment.
Look at diagram b,Force F now produces a Clockwise moment.

Think about your diagram now
 

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Okay. But there is something called right hand rule that you indirectly used to find the direction of (a) and (b).
I want to know how the right hand rule is used.
 
I know what your saying. Your taking a direction vector from point O to the line of action of the force. And by using cross product, you're getting the magnitude and direction. But I'm not using that method. I'm using Varignon's theorem.
 

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