1.32P Principle of moments
The principle of moments states that clockwise and anticlockwise moments are equal when a turning system is balanced in equilibrium.
- Syllabus
- 2024
- Objective
- 1.32
- Level
- —
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing23%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper2P
Typical marks2–3
Common command terms
- Calculate
- State
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Writing the principle without saying the system is balanced or in equilibrium.
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper2P [] · TZ01(b)(iii)[ 1 ]1.32P Principle of moments
May 2025Paper2P [] · TZ04(a)(iii)[ 3 ]1.32P Principle of moments
May 2025Paper2P [] · TZ04(a)(ii)[ 1 ]1.32P Principle of moments
Jan 2023Paper2P [null] · TZ05(a)(ii)[ 3 ]1.32P Principle of moments
June 2022Paper2PR [null] · TZ07(c)[ 4 ]1.32P Principle of moments
Practice this objective
Coverage 2019–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
1.32P Principle of moments
Use the principle of moments for a simple system of parallel forces acting in one plane
Concept essentials
- For a balanced system, total clockwise moment equals total anticlockwise moment.
- The net moment is zero when an object is in rotational equilibrium.
- Each moment is calculated from force multiplied by perpendicular distance.
- Unknown forces or distances can be found by rearranging the balanced-moments equation.
- Choose one pivot and use all distances from that same pivot.