Moments, levers and gears
I can explain how levers and gears transmit the rotational effects of forces.
Moments, levers and gears
I can explain how levers and gears transmit the rotational effects of forces.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A force can produce a turning effect known as a moment.
- If an object is in equilibrium, there is no resultant force or moment on it.
- moment = force × distance (M = Fd)
- Levers can act as force or distance multipliers.
- Gears can be used to transfer moments.
Keywords
Equilibrium - The state of an object when there is no resultant force or moment acting on it.
Moment - The turning effect of a force, measured in newton metres (Nm).
Force multiplier - A type of lever that increases the size of an applied force.
Distance multiplier - A type of lever that increases the distance an applied force moves through.
Gears - Toothed wheels that rotate around an axle and are used to transfer moments.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a lever gives you ‘something for nothing’ when used as a force multiplier.
Ask a pupil to lift an object by a particular height (say 10 cm) without a pivot, then with a pivot and a plank as a lever to compare the effort and distance moved in each case.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Moments, levers and gears, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Moments, levers and gears, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Forces make things change unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
6 Questions
equilibrium -
the state of an object if there is no resultant force or moment on it
moment -
the turning effect of a force, measured in newton metres (Nm)
force multiplier -
a lever that increases the size of an applied force
distance multiplier -
a lever that increases the distance an applied force moves through
gear -
a toothed wheel that rotates and is used to transfer a moment






