Measuring forces exerted by muscles
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Lesson notes
Moments and Muscles
- A **moment** is the turning effect of a force around a point.
- When a muscle pulls on a bone, it creates a **moment** around the **joint** (the pivot).
- The size of the moment depends on the **force** exerted by the muscle and the **perpendicular distance** from the joint to where the force is applied.
- Equation: **Moment = force × distance** (units: Newton metres, Nm).
- Distance must be measured in metres (m) and force in Newtons (N).
- To find the force exerted by a muscle, rearrange: **Force = moment ÷ distance**.
- A **Newton meter** can directly measure the force applied by a muscle.
Calculating Moments
- Example: A biceps curl holding a 100 N weight stationary, distance 0.5 m from elbow.
- Moment = 100 N × 0.5 m = **50 Nm**.
- If the weight is stationary, the upward force from the biceps equals the weight (100 N) – forces are balanced.
- Always write the equation, substitute values, then calculate with units.
Calculating Force from Moment
- If a hamstring applies a moment of 1200 Nm at 0.6 m from the knee, force = 1200 ÷ 0.6 = **2000 N**.
- If a biceps applies a moment of 120 Nm at 0.5 m from the elbow, force = 120 ÷ 0.5 = **240 N**.
- If a triceps applies a moment of 60 Nm at 0.4 m from the elbow, force = 60 ÷ 0.4 = **150 N**.
- Always check units: force in N, distance in m, moment in Nm.
True or False Statements
- A moment is measured by a Newton meter. **False** – a Newton meter measures force, not moment.
- A moment depends on both force and perpendicular distance to a pivot. **True**.
- Muscles create a moment around a joint. **True**.
Diagram of a biceps curl showing the pivot (elbow), force (weight), and distance.
Slides
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Practice questions
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1.What is the unit of a moment?
Easy- ANewton metre (Nm)
- BNewton (N)
- CMetre (m)
- DJoule (J)
2.Which of the following statements is true?
Easy- AA moment is the turning effect of a force around a point.
- BA moment is measured directly by a Newton meter.
- CA moment is the same as force.
- DA moment is the distance from a pivot.
3.What is the unit of force?
Easy- ANewton (N)
- BNewton metre (Nm)
- CMetre (m)
- DKilogram (kg)
4.A person holds a weight stationary. The force applied by the biceps must be equal to the weight because:
Easy- Athe forces on the weight are balanced.
- Bthe biceps is stronger than the weight.
- Cthe moment is zero.
- Dthe distance is zero.
5.Calculate the moment produced by a 50 N force at a perpendicular distance of 0.4 m from a pivot.
Medium- A20 Nm
- B125 Nm
- C0.008 Nm
- D50.4 Nm
6.A biceps exerts a force of 200 N at a distance of 0.3 m from the elbow. What is the moment?
Medium- A60 Nm
- B600 Nm
- C0.0015 Nm
- D200.3 Nm
7.A hamstring applies a moment of 1200 Nm at a distance of 0.6 m from the knee. Calculate the force.
Medium- A2000 N
- B720 N
- C200 N
- D1200.6 N
8.A biceps applies a moment of 120 Nm at a distance of 0.5 m from the elbow. Calculate the force.
Medium- A240 N
- B60 N
- C120.5 N
- D0.00417 N
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