Physics GCSE
balanced beam
What balanced beam means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of balanced beam
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain balanced beam in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A beam that is not turning, because the sum of every clockwise turning effect about the pivot matches the sum of every anticlockwise one.
A beam on which the product of force and distance on one side equals the product on the other.
Topics that use balanced beam
- Moments, levers and gears (physics only) (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Equilibrium
- gears
- Interaction Pair
- Newton's third law
- normal contact force
- pivot
- principle of moments
- rearranging moments
Using balanced beam in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge