Perpendicular distance
What Perpendicular distance means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Perpendicular distance
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Reference: AQA
Measured perpendicular to the force direction, between the two parallel lines along which the forces act, not between their points of application.
The distance from the point to the line of action of the force, measured perpendicular to that line of action.
The distance from the chosen point to the line of action of the force, measured perpendicular to that line.
The shortest distance from the pivot to the line of action, measured at right angles to the force.
Topics that use Perpendicular distance
- Moments (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Couple
- Moment
- Moment of a couple
- Non-uniform or irregular solid
- Principle of moments
- Resolution of forces
- Rotational equilibrium
- Turning effect of forces
Using Perpendicular distance in the exam
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