Moment

The moment is the product of distance and a physical quantity, such as Charge, magnetism, or even Force. It has different orders, which represent how many of the specific quantities exist.

Definition §

Moment

$${\mu }_n=r^{n}Q$$

• $\mu$ = Moment (Units are determined by $Q$)
• $r$ = Distance from a given origin point.
• $Q$ = Physical quantity, for example can be Charge ($q$), or force ($F$)
• $n$ = Order of moment
  • $n=0$ is the 0th moment (one object)
  • $n=1$ is the 1st moment, also called the dipole moment (two objects)

Examples §

• Torque is the first moment of Force ($\mu =rF$)
• The electric dipole moment is the second moment of charge.