Pivot in Physics
A pivot is the fixed point around which an object turns or rotates. It's also known as a fulcrum in levers.
Where Do We See Pivots?
In seesaws or balance scales
Hinges of a door
Scissors or pliers
Human joints like elbows and knees
In all of these, the pivot is the point the object rotates around.
Why Is the Pivot Important?
The pivot helps us understand how moments (turning forces) work. A moment is the force that causes something to rotate around a pivot.
Formula for Moment:
Moment = Force × Distance from the pivot
Force is in newtons (N)
Distance is the perpendicular distance from the pivot in meters (m)
Moment is measured in newton-meters (Nm)
Balanced Moments:
For an object to be balanced and not rotate, the total clockwise moment must equal the total anticlockwise moment.This is known as the principle of moments.
Example:
On a seesaw, if two people sit at equal distances from the center (pivot) but one is heavier, the seesaw tips. To balance it, the heavier person must sit closer to the pivot, or the lighter person farther away.