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A force can make things move along but it can also TURN things.
The distance from the pivot that the force acts is important as well as the size of the force itself.

The turning effect of a force is large if:
(a) the force itself is large
(b ) the distance from the pivot is large.

The turning effect of a force is called the MOMENT of the force and is measured in units of Newton metres (Nm).

Moment of a force = force x perpendicular distance of the force from the pivot
 
 
 
© Keith Gibbs 2009